It is scientifically proven real-life benefits of smiling. Remember when you used to get into trouble because you couldn’t stop laughing about something insignificant?
Sadly those days are gone as we make the transition from childhood to adulthood. But it doesn’t have to be that way, new research in the cognitive neuroscience and emotion have proven that smiling comes with real-life benefits.
Having a little laugh or randomly smile, it’s not always an easy thing to do, particularly after a long and stressful day. Yet, if you manage to break a smile, it will genuinely make you feel better.
When you smile, your brain releases neuropeptides which are tiny pieces of protein that affects your emotions. So far, more than 90 neuropeptides are being associated with mood changes, and a recognised group of neuropeptides known as “the neurotransmitters” carry messages across the nervous, growth and gut immune system modulators.
It also brings information to the endorphins (our happy hormones), insulin (responsible for blood sugar control), oxytocin, vasopressin and dopamine (responsible for blood pressure), and serotonin (sexual desire and arousal hormones). Research shows that smiling during anxious moments could lessen the intensity of the body’s stress response, regardless of whether a person truly feels happy. In fact, the advantages of smiling are not just confined to yourself — it too touches those around you. Our brain reward centre is activated and reacts when someone smiles back at you — so it’s an all-out infectious loop of happiness.
The feel-good benefits of a smile can also affect your job performance. A group of economists performed a study and found that “smiling and laughter has a meaningful and positive influence on productivity. Positive emotions appear to stimulate human beings. Another study was linked to solid decision-making and creativity. There you have it. Smiling can actually make you a more creative and efficient worker.
So next time you’re feeling like a pick-me-up, or are stuck in a traffic jam, or stress about something, try to hold your face in a smile for a moment. Not only will it help you psychologically, but it changes your internal and external reality, and brighten your perspective on life, as well as your overall health!”
And if you’re already in a good mood, why not smile at a stranger and pass along the good vibes?
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