Smiling More May Help Build Better Health

By Tom Herrin

Most of us would do just about anything to improve our health.  We often think that means something great and grand when, in fact, it may be something really simple.  The simple things are dismissed too many times as so simple that they could not possibly be of use.  One of those little things that any of us can do is smile more.  There are far too many people who go around with a scowl on their face as if it was going to reap some kind of reward.  Smiles do a lot of good things besides give us all a better welcome.

It Can Make Us More Attractive

Smiling makes a connection with others.  When people smile, they will be met half of the time with a smile in return.  A smile can make others feel that someone is sympathetic with their own difficulties.  There is greater trust for those who smile.  They are almost automatically included in the group.  Men are more likely to approach women who smile than they are those who simply make eye contact.  It is believed that smiling can make someone appear as much as three years younger.

It Can Help Accomplish a Job More Productively

People who smile and are happy as they work tend to get more done.  They are also able to lift the spirits of others, making for a better environment on the job.  Those who smile are more creative at work.  This may allow them to be more open to ideas and have an improved ability to solve problems.  It has been noted that those who smile more are considered more often for promotions.

Health Is the Real Winner

When people smile, it relaxes the face and body.  This can allow the immune system to be more responsive in reacting to those factors that can cause disease.  Smiling more can lower blood pressure, slow the heart rate, and reduce stress.  It can release endorphins which can kill pain, making it an effective natural pain reliever.  In one study, it was indicated that people who smile more may be able to increase their longevity as much as seven years.  That is nearly 10 percent of an average lifetime.  Considering that, smiling may be a pretty simple way to make an improvement in your health.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Englewood, N.J.

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