#95 Smile More
#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
Facts References:
https://https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/changepower/201605/the-9-superpowers-your-smile
https://weheartit.com/articles/299551897-52-self-care-activities-and-facts
