Some people smile big enough to light up a room, while some smile discretely while others meet you halfway. Some call it a grin, a beam, a smirk, or a laugh. Whatever you call it or however you do it, you cannot deny the feel-good energy that radiates from this cheerful facial expression we call a smile.

Smiling is Not Just an Involuntary Response

Smiling is one of those rare functions our bodies can do that is both voluntary and involuntary. While it is true that unforeseen circumstances can make us smile uncontrollably, we could also decide when and where to smile. Believe it or not, your body has a hard time telling the difference between a genuine smile and a fake smile. The amazing thing is that no matter how you do it, smiling offers numerous benefits that improve your health, your mood, and the energy around you.

So whether you are genuinely cheesin’ hard or giving a fake smile to a stranger walking by, here are all the benefits smiling has to offer.

Relieves Stress

Smiling is one of the best natural stress relievers in existence. Sometimes life can really beat you down, from the everyday grind of work to paying bills, relationships, and more. Unfortunately, stress is always going to pop up from time to time, and it really shows in our facial expressions. However, the simple act of smiling can drastically reduce stress and anxiety and help us feel better even in the hardest of situations.

Smiling Elevates Your Mood

You ever hear the phrase fake it till you make it? Well, it absolutely works when it comes to smiling and your mood. Sometimes you can be in a bad mood for no reason, and no matter what you do, you just can’t seem to shake how you feel. Maybe you are overtired, or you are just not having a good day. Whatever the case may be, smiling can immensely brighten your day. Studies have shown that the physical act of smiling can activate triggers in your brain that release mood-boosting neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.

Smiling Is Contagious

Smiling is not only a great way to elevate your own mood but the mood of the people around you as well. Like laughing, smiling is contagious. Believe it or not, people subconsciously pick up on energies around them. If you are around someone who is happy and cheerful, with a great big smile odds are you will start feeling good too. In addition, scientific studies have shown that your brain automatically interprets and mimics facial expressions. If you walk past someone who is smiling, you will most likely start smiling too.

Smiling Can Boost Your Immune System

Smiling not only affects your mental health but your physical health as well. When we’re stressed, our bodies go into flight or fight mode, but when we are smiling, our anxieties diminish, and our body starts to relax. When our body’s nervous system is calm and tranquil, it is easier for our immune system to function properly. So next time you have a cold, make sure you smile along with taking your medicine.

Smiling Reduces Pain

As stated before, our bodies release serotonin and dopamine every time we smile, which helps boost our mood. However, our mood is not the only thing affected by the release of these happy chemicals. If you are injured, the serotonin released by smiling not only relaxes your body but can help relieve your physical pain.

Smiling Is Attractive

There is no doubt that people are naturally drawn to a smile and a happy face. As frowns and skulls may scare people away, a smile shows people you are a positive, fun-loving person.

Feeling Self Conscious About Your Smile?

If you feel self-conscious about your smile, you are not alone. Plenty of people are afraid to smile because they don’t like how their teeth look. Luckily transforming your smile is an easy process. There are plenty of products and treatments like teeth whitening and realistic teeth covers that can give you the smile of your dreams.