As a kid, I can still hear my mom telling me to “turn that frown upside down” or reminding me that “it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile.” Admittedly, I’m not always anxious to put a smile on my face when I’m not in the mood to do so, but, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that while these quips from my mom are not only annoying and a little rude – they might actually have some merit.
Turning the worst days around can sometimes be as simple as taking a long walk, jamming to some top 40 pop hits, and you guessed it- smiling. There are said to be psychological benefits to smiling as well, it improves your mood and relieves stress - and given the year we are all having, I am fairly certain we could all use a free and easy stress reliever these days.
According to Psychology today, smiling causes more pleasure in your brain than chocolate. While this sounds hard to believe – as I binge on Halloween sweets – it’s for sure that frowning couldn’t compete with the KitKat. We’re approaching Flu season (and yes, we're still in a pandemic), so knowing that smiling might boost my immune system and lower my blood pressure is a good thing. The benefits of smiling don’t stop there either… not only does it impact the way you feel inside, it can make you look younger and feel more attractive. Moreover, smiling displays confidence which can even help you get a promotion at work!
I don’t know about you, but when I see a joyful person I’m more likely to invite them for coffee or even just ask them for directions - they are much more approachable.
… and while smiling doesn’t just help you stay positive, it improves the mood of the people around you too. Fun fact about smiling- you use muscles you don’t usually use and there are 53 of them!
Smiling may happen in a flash, but it can last a lifetime. You can probably remember a time when you had a good belly laugh with friends - even now, years later - I do! Smiling is contagious (in a good way,) so pass on the good vibes!
It’s interesting to note that scientific studies show that people have difficulty frowning when they look at other people who are smiling. So, the next time you see someone who looks a little down, give them a warm smile- it will benefit both of you!
As we approach the holiday season, be sure to smile and pass along the good vibes.
Also, if you are in the Southbury, Connecticut area this holiday season, please be sure to pop in to our holiday shop which opens 10/31/20 - 12/24/20 in Bennett Square at 134 Main Street South, #50E. Make sure you “like” and “follow” us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest too!
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Sarah and The Piper and Dune Family
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