Smile

A true smile is like a warm hug or a solar flare. At times, it can be more powerful than any spoken word...

A true smile is like a warm hug or a solar flare. At times, it can be more powerful than any spoken word. Scientific studies have shown that a smile can benefit us all from health, longevity, and well-being standpoints. Smiling activates the release of neuropeptides that are known to improve our neural communication abilities. It also causes the release of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin; which we know boost our mood and immune system, but also reduce pain.

A smile can convey openness, friendliness, positiveness, confidence, trust, compassion, and many other positive feelings. A smile is attractive and a signal for engaging in communication, expressing seduction, and a means to elevate mood. But it can also express defiance, sarcasm, or superiority. It can be a way to ask for help. The nuances are in the complexity of facial expressions. The state of mind of a person as she/he smiles can be cleared to the trained eyes while misunderstood by the untrained ones. That said, a true joyful smile is hard to miss for most of us!

At work, when we smile, people perceive us as more positive and competent. Interestingly enough, smiling also makes us feel happier, elevates our mood, and reduces stress not just for us but also for those around us. Strangely enough, regardless if the smile is real or forced, it sends a “happy” message to the brain which can have positive repercussions on the body and soul. So smile as often as you can and let the contagious diffusion spread through your community. Your body, mind, and soul will greatly benefit from it and so will those of others!

Categories: : Coaching Tips, Wellness