Smile!

Notice the title of today’s post is a command, but you don’t have to. The thing about smiling though is there are bunch of health benefits involved when you do. Even a fake it till you make it smile is better than no smile at all and if you practice often enough a fake smile can be transformed into a genuine one. Here are some of the ways something as simple and sweet as a smile can help you…

Smiling lowers your heart rate and relaxes your body. It can even temporarily bring down your blood pressure.

Smiling is a great stress reliever. It releases endorphins that diminish stress hormones to put you in a better mood.

Smiling increases productivity at work (I always say there are lots of things I have no control over, but I can always control my attitude-especially while mowing the lawn!).

Smiling also encourages trust and empathy. It can even help lessen regret if you can smile during moments of embarrassment.

Smiling makes you look younger and more confident and it’s contagious, so smile at the folks you want to think of you as more confident and youthful.

And finally smiling adds to your longevity. People who smile live up to seven years longer than most because smiling on the outside makes you healthier on the inside.

Some of my favorite smiles are the ones I see on the faces of children (my grands and great nieces and nephews). Another place to look for a smile is in your reflection on your computer, tablet, or phone as you check out some of the humorous or inspirational memes posted on line. But no matter where you find smiles, just don’t forget to try one on for yourself soon. J!