Go Ahead. Smile!

We’ve heard about the benefits of laughter, and hopefully we’ve all experienced how good it feels to laugh so hard tears come. Laughter can be the best medicine for many things that ail.

But are you aware that just smiling also provides many rewards?

Here’s a mind blowing fact . . .


Smiling gives the same stimulation as eating 2,000 chocolate bars!

I know. . . Hard to believe. But, it’s been proven. The results were found by researchers at the British Dental Health Foundation. They measured brain and heart activity in volunteers as they were shown pictures of smiling people and given money and chocolate.

Interested in other facts?

Smiling . . .

* Helps us relax, which also helps the immune system function better.

* Reduces blood pressure.

* Increases the production of endorphins, which are natural pain killers, and serotonin, which elevates our mood. Smiling is a natural drug.

* Reduces muscle tension and mental stress, keeping our brain alert.

* Has been proven to reduce stress.

* Gives the message that you are a receptive person. It can improve relationships with loved ones, friends, co-workers and neighbors.

* Lifts our face and makes us look younger.

* People appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and more likely to be approached.

* Helps us stay positive.

* Is contagious.

* Can ease away the tension of an embarrassing moment.

* Is easier than frowning. It takes more muscles and effort to frown, where a smile relieves stress, a frown or perplexed expression can induce more stress.

* Promotes longevity. Optimists are 71 percent less likely to die from certain causes, than that of pessimists.

* Exercises muscles in the face that help to prevent drooping, saggy skin in old age.

Smiling is a global language. Anthropologists, biologists and psychologists now agree that the smile is recognizable worldwide. Even cultures that have long regarded smiling inappropriate in many social situations, have changed their view and accepted what comes natural.

Think about the complexity of our mind and body. Isn’t it amazing that God provided us with something so simple – like a smile - that can accomplish so much?

But then . . . the God I serve is pretty amazing and awesome Himself.

Have a smiling great week.

Dawn