Try Smiling Turn on the news, read the paper, visit a gas station—these days, it seems that every where we go, we’re faced with bad news. However, even if you’re going through some tough times, you should make every effort to smile. You’ll find that it not only boosts your spirits, but also those around you. Not convinced? Here are five great reasons to show off your pearly whites. Smiling can: 1. Make you appear more attractive. Frowns, scowls, and grimaces all push people away, but a smile draws them in. Moreover, the muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. So, don't go for that face lift, just try smiling your way through the day— you'll look younger and feel better! 2. Put you in a good mood. Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together, these three make us feel good. Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There's a good chance your mood will change for the better. 3. Help you make friends. When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them. Smile lots and you will draw people to you. 4. Boost your immune system. When you smile, immune function improves, possibly because you are more relaxed. When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor nearby. Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference? 5. Helps you stay positive. When we smile, our brain sends the rest of our body a signal that life is good. You can stay upbeat and positive by simply smiling. The next time you feel down and out, remember these important benefits of smiling. You may have to force a smile at first, but once you get going, you’ll probably find yourself with a permanent grin! “The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds; and the pessimist fears this is true.” —James Branch Cabell |