We have witnessed a number of changes in the last few years that have turned our world upside down. Human connections have become more difficult due to social distance limitations. When we yearned to connect more with our friends and family, it was the little things that got us through tough times. An innocent smile can create a cascading ripple effect of joy throughout a group of people. We live in a world where smiles are contagious. Even though a smile can make someone feel happy, what does it do for the person who provides it?
Taking a moment to smile at someone in public can have emotional benefits.
Improves mood and reduces stress
When you smile, your facial muscles shift upward, revealing the front of your teeth. It’s hard not to smile when you see someone else smile. When you show your teeth through a smile, there is also magic happening behind the scenes through your emotions. When you smile, you relieve stress and release negative emotions.
When you smile, your brain releases endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. Each of these factors has a direct impact on our stress levels and mood. Try smiling more throughout the day if you are dealing with anxiety or negative emotions. It can improve your mood and reduce stress, even if you have to force it initially. Over time, smiling will help you slowly let go of negative thoughts as your mood improves.
It keeps you upbeat
When you’re having a bad day, positivity is hard to find. By improving your outlook on life, smiling can help disrupt limiting beliefs. Smiling makes it difficult to focus on the negative aspects of things. If you are in the midst of a big life transition, such as a move or job change, try adding a few more smiles to your day. Injecting positivity into these scary or intimidating events will boost your confidence. Is there someone you know who sometimes struggles to stay positive? Make them smile and see what a difference it makes.
Obtain happiness and longevity
Our physical bodies can be negatively affected by emotional stress over time. Have you ever had a migraine caused by stress? Your body reacts physically to emotional stress. When we smile, we feel a jolt of happiness for a moment. We are likely to be happier throughout the day if we smile more often.
Practicing a consistent habit of smiling more can create a relaxed lifestyle for someone. Stress-induced illnesses and injuries are less common in people who experience less stress. By living a happier life, they are likely to live longer.
Make happiness a priority
Life is too short not to enjoy it to the fullest. Show off your healthy teeth and smile to prioritize happiness in your life. By doing this, you can not only feel happier but also spread happiness. Adding more smiles to your day can have multiple emotional benefits. When you get the chance, don’t be afraid to show your vulnerability and smile.
We are here to assist you with all of your oral health needs. Make an appointment with our Premiere Dental Arts of Frederick today to ensure that you always have a beautiful smile to show off to others.