Posted on August 26, 2022

Smiling has many benefits, many of which may surprise you. Think of all the people you know and how much they smile. What do the people that smile a lot have in common? What about the people that rarely smile? Finding a reason to smile even in the midst of a world that is full of chaos is so important. Often, we get so focused on our circumstances we forget to smile. As a busy mom, wife, COO and CEO, I must intentionally take some time throughout my day and refocus. I admit I was someone who didn’t smile a lot. Not because I wasn’t happy, but I was just always so focused and busy that I just did not realize that I always looked serious. I was often told I looked mad and very unapproachable. Early on I honestly did not care what people thought. If they wanted to judge me simply based on how I looked, that’s their issue, not mines.

However, as I got older this bothered me only because those who truly know me can tell you that I truly love people and have a heart for helping and serving others. This was not easy, and I am still working on it. Some days are much easier than other days. This is a daily process, and I must be 100% intentional about it. The amazing part about this is that it has started to become a lifestyle for me. It was simply a mindset change and then the smiles became automatic even when I was not thinking about it. I have made it a point to take at least 5 minutes out of my day to have an attitude of gratitude. This is a big part of my day even though its only 5 minutes because this really helps me to stop and reflect on my actions. It also helps me to stay grounded throughout my day and to never underestimate the power of a smile. We don’t smile as much as we should. Not only can a smile improve your mood, but it can also help improve someone else’s mood too. The best part about a smile is that it’s free and pleasurable to those around you! You never know what someone is going through and something as simple as a smile can bring light to someone else’s darkness. I hope after reading this you smile more too!

10 Things That Happen When You Smile!

1. Smiling releases endorphins. Smiling makes you feel good. Studies have shown that you can uplift your attitude and perception of a negative situation just by smiling.

◦ You can test this yourself. Put a big genuine smile on your face and notice how your mood changes. You have more control over your emotions and your mood than you think. Smiling is a simple tool to affect how you feel.

2. Smiling makes others smile. When you smile, other people smile too. When you make others smile, they feel good. When you make others feel good, they start to like you. You get the picture. When you smile it benefits others, and those benefits will come back to you.

3. Smiling boosts your confidence. You feel more confident when you smile. You have a better outlook on your circumstances and yourself. This can definitely give your confidence a boost. Greater self-confidence lifts your overall performance. You have greater potential when you have more confidence.

4. Smiling enhances your social life. You’re more approachable when you smile. People are more interested in getting to know you if you appear to be a happy person. You can find yourself with more friends, dates, and social opportunities.

5. Smiling can make you resistant to illness. Smiling has been shown to boost your immune system. You’re less likely to catch a cold, the flu, or a variety of other ailments if you smile. Cancer is often linked to immune function. Smile and be healthy.

6. Smiling makes you better looking! People will rate you as more attractive when you’re smiling versus when you’re not. Smile, and discover what it does for your love life. You’ll be more than pleased by the results!

7. Smiling lowers stress. Stress makes you miserable. Stress is hard on your mind and body. The more you smile, the less stressed you’ll feel. Who wants to feel stress?

8. Smiling makes others trust you more. People that smile are considered more trustworthy. Try it out and see for yourself. Also, consider the people you know that smile a lot. Do you trust them more or less than those whom you rarely see smile?

9. Smiling enhances productivity and creativity. Numerous studies have demonstrated that smiling increases your productivity. You get more accomplished when you’re in a good mood.

◦ You’re also more creative when you smile. You can find more effective solutions to challenges. Your artistic side will be enhanced if you smile more.

10. Smiling helps you to stay relaxed and it can help you maintain positive energy and spirit.

Smiling has scientifically proven to have amazing benefits. Hopefully you see the value of smiling and are motivated and inspired to smile more easily and more often. There’s nothing to be gained by maintaining a stoic expression all the time. In Proverbs 15:30 it says “A cheerful look brings Joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.

Take a moment to repeat the short exercise from the beginning of this article. Think about everyone you know and how much they smile. What do the frequent smilers have in common? What about those that smile infrequently? How do your observations compare to the information presented above?

Remember, all it takes is one smile. Start noticing the many benefits. You have nothing to lose but your bad mood! A genuine smile has the power to spread hope and bring happiness to the world.