#95 Smile More
Did you know that smiling actually makes you live longer and can boost your immune system? Studies have shown that smiling increases your lifespan, on average, 7 years. Think about how different our world would be if we smiled, laughed and shared more joy with each other. A smile is the universal language that can connect all people of the world throughout the world.
A Smile A Day:
Smiling can be such a blissful experience. Have you ever notice how children smile, laugh and play with children from all different backgrounds? Or, that before language, a simple smile would allow our parents to know we were content? Enter, adulthood! The average adult smiles a mere 20 times a day – that is 380 times less than a child. So, why is this? Is the source; stress, distraction, depression – or do we simply having nothing to smile about? All of these are valid reasons for losing our joy of smiling – but the good news is, studies show that even forced smiles can boost your mood.
Smiling Facts:
Smiling is contagious – simply smiling at someone set of a chemical reaction in them to smile back.
Smiling activates the release of neuropeptides that work to fight off stress and relax your body.
The act of smiling activates endorphins that act as a natural pain reliever.
Smiling can lower your heart rate and blood pressure.
The simple act of a grin can use up to 53 facial muscles.
People can recognize smiles from up to 300 feet away – it is easier to identify than any other facial expression.
A study cited by Gutman, measured the size of smiles o the students in the study – these ultimately predicted how long-lasting and satisfying the person’s marriage would be.
Scientists believe that babies are born with the ability to smile – not from learned behavior.
Women generally smile more than men.
A UC-San Francisco researchers identified 19 types of smiles that are divided into two categories: polite social smiles which engage fewer muscles, and sincere felt smiles that use more muscles on both sides of the face.
While hand shakes, hugs, and bows have different meanings across cultures – smiling is known around the world as a sign of happiness and acceptance.
How Can I Make An Impact ?
Tier 1: Global Goodness
Smile the moment you rise in the morning. It is a blissful gift to yourself – as well as shows a sense of gratitude in having the opportunity to live another day.
Smile at everyone you make eye contact with. A simple smile shared between strangers can make someone’s day – and remember how lovely it is to be on the receiving end of a random smile.
Tier 2: Planet Protector
All of Action 1
Begin a practice of smiling. For many people, smiling doesn’t come naturally. Creating a regular practice of smiling can build your confidence and increase the likelihood you will smile more.
Remind yourself to smile as you move throughout your day. Sometimes we need a friendly reminder to lighten the energy with a smile. Try setting an alarm or choosing an action that you associate with smiling.
Tier 3: Earth Angel
All of Action 1 & 2
Share your joy of smiling with friends and family and encourage them to tap into the many benefits of smiling.
Are you interested in taking smiling to the next level? Once you have mastered smiling more – switch over to laughing. The social and health benefits of sharing an authentic laugh, are even greater.
Choose to be an Ambassador for Change, and always Spread Love and Spread Light.
Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” – Mother Teresa
