Smiling May Improve Your Mood and Your Health
By Tom Herrin
How many times have you walked into someplace with eager anticipation and walked out with disappointment because of the kind of greeting you received. That first impression really is important. People who appear stern or unhappy often send a message that those they meet are unwanted or a bother. The other side of that coin is that someone who has a smile on their face will be better able to be listened to because they are perceived as more open and understanding. Most people will make a judgement based on that first impression. It is a natural part of reading body language. There is much more to be gained by a smile than just a greeting.
It Is Great for Mood
As already implied, just about everyone likes a person who smiles. Studies have indicated that even forced smiles can put people in better moods. This can improve communication and lift the spirits of those around them. The simple act can change outlooks of both the giver and receiver. Smiling more may be able to strengthen relationships, including marriage.
It May Help Fight Illness and Injury
Smiling is known to release endorphins that can kill pain. This makes it a natural pain reliever. It is also able to boost the immune system by helping it to react to disease-causing factors. People who smile, and are happy, are thought to have a greater level of resistance to disease. Many people believe that there is evidence that even people with devastating illnesses have a greater ability to respond to those when they are happier and have a more positive attitude. Those who say attitude is everything may be on the right track.
It Can Lower Blood Pressure
The act of smiling is thought to slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure. This may go hand-in-hand with its effect on stress. It is believed to be a good way to deal with it. Most people have some degree of stress in their lives. It is always productive to relieve some of it. In one study, people who smile more are shown to increase their longevity as much as seven years. Even if you are one of those with that scowl on your face, it may be worth making yourself smile just a little bit more, for your own health.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Irving, Tex.