How long has it been since you had a good laugh? Numerous studies have confirmed that smiling can boost your immune system, relieve pain, lower blood pressure, and combat depression. Whether it’s a genuine smile or a “forced smile,” both can positively affect your health. Unfortunately, many people don’t smile often in their daily lives. Research has shown that healthy children may laugh up to 400 times daily, while adults only laugh about 15 times.
Forced smiles can also have positive effects
Nobody likes to force a fake smile, but according to a recent study published in Experimental Psychology, mimicking a smile can trick your brain. When your facial muscles form a smile, they can deceive your brain, stimulating the amygdala to release neurotransmitters that shift your mood and thoughts toward a more positive state. Dr. Fernando Marmolejo-Ramos, who led the study, found that smiling caused positive psychological changes in participants and made them view the world more positively.
So are there any downsides to faking a smile? Not really, as smiling will ultimately have a positive effect. The worst-case scenario is that it might not work, but there aren’t many drawbacks.
Smiling is a natural response to pleasant feelings. However, many overlook that smiles can be a conscious choice, not just a reaction to something joyful.
8 reasons for smiling more often
1. Look younger
Nobody likes a frowning or angry face, but a smile is attractive. It lifts the sagging muscles of the face, making you look younger and more confident. It can draw people closer to you. Want to look younger and more attractive? Try smiling more. It not only makes you look younger but also lifts your spirits. Smiling can help reduce stress and prevent you from looking tired.
2. Reduce stress
Stress is a part of our lives, whether from school, work, or relationships. Sometimes, it even shows on our faces. Smiling can help reduce cortisol (a stress hormone) and adrenaline, stimulating the release of endorphins, which induce feelings of happiness and relaxation. Watching a comedy can have the same effect. Feeling stressed? Take time to laugh or watch a comedy; your body will thank you.
3. Combat depression
Feeling down? Try smiling! As recent research suggests, even just making a smiling expression can prompt your brain to release neurotransmitters related to combating depression, making you feel happier. Additionally, smiles are contagious. They make you feel good and lift the spirits of those around you. A smile can message your brain and body that life is good, even if it’s a forced smile.
4. Relieve pain
Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins and serotonin, natural painkillers that can improve mood, relax muscles, and reduce pain. This free, natural painkiller awaits you to activate with a smile. When you laugh heartily, your blood pressure drops, and your blood circulation improves.
5. Lower blood pressure
Smiling alone isn’t enough for cardiovascular health, but when you laugh heartily, your blood pressure drops significantly, and your blood circulation improves. A study from Osaka University in Japan found that participants who practiced laughter yoga for three months saw their overall blood pressure drop by 5 mmHg. A similar study in India found that participants who attended seven laughter yoga sessions experienced significant reductions in blood pressure.
6. Lower blood sugar
Japanese researchers found that a group of people over 60 who participated in laughter exercises once a week for 120 minutes saw significant reductions in their HbA1c levels after completing a three-month program. Another study showed that people with type 2 diabetes who laughed heartily after meals had lower post-meal blood sugar levels. Who knew that smiling could help stabilize blood sugar? Whether you’re laughing alone or with others, it can benefit your body in various ways.
7. Boost immunity
When you smile, the release of certain neurotransmitters increases the concentration of immunoglobulins in your body, helping your immune system work more effectively to fight off viruses and prevent infections. In addition to preventive measures like handwashing and wearing masks, remember that smiling is a great way to boost your immunity.
8. Live longer
We’ve discussed many benefits of smiling, including its ability to relieve depression, reduce pain, lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and boost immunity, ultimately preventing diseases. Moreover, a study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that patients with a good sense of humor tend to live longer. While humor and smiling are often seen as related, the study found that even without a sense of humor, simply smiling can cause beneficial chemical changes in the body.
Just smile!
So, smile! It might not solve all your problems, and it might seem silly to smile for no reason, but smiling has many health benefits, and your brain will thank you for the positive changes brought by that uplifted corner of your mouth.
Follow us on X, Facebook, or Pinterest
