Top Reasons to Smile More

Did you know that smiling not only puts out an inviting, good energy to those around you but can benefit your health? Children offer smiles all the time but as they enter adulthood it seems harder and harder to crack one out. Go to a playground and look at the kids running around and having fun! Then look at the parents sitting on the benches looking at phones or starting into nothingness because their mind is elsewhere. Adults would benefit from trying to disconnect from work and stress to join the children in their carefree day.

Research has found many health benefits associated with smiling. As well as having health benefits, smiling will have a positive effect on all areas of your life. When you smile, physiological changes in your body take place without you even being aware of them. If you don’t believe it for yourself, contact your dentist in Beverly Hills.

1. Endorphins are released when you smile

The muscles in your face trigger the release of endorphins when you smile.  Endorphins are responsible for suppressing our stress and making us feel happy.  Faking a smile can do the same thing since the brain does not know the difference – the release of endorphins will be triggered by the movement of the facial muscles and we will feel happier.  The more often we can stimulate our brain to release endorphins, the more often we will feel happy and relaxed.

2. Endorphins boost our mood

Endorphins act as natural pain killers for our body.  If you suffer from chronic pain, smiling can help with pain management.  If you fall or bump your funny bone, smiling or laughing about it can ward off the pain.

3. When endorphins are released, cortisol (the stress hormone) is reduced

When we feel stressed or anxious, cortisol is more active and we experience higher levels of unpleasant feelings.  When cortisol levels are reduced it helps to lower the instances of negative feelings.

4. Smiling attract people to you and helps you to be more social

When you smile, people will see you as approachable.  Having positive interactions with others is no doubt, good for your health.  Smiling is contagious and those around you will also feel better and start to smile more.  Spread the love!

Happiness and positivity will serve you well in life.  When you face a challenging situation, smiling will help you relax, feel more at ease, and get you through it.  Smiling shows that you are confident and can send the stress on its way.

Tips for Smiling and Laughing More Often

1. Smile and laugh regularly

Smiling and laughing is habit forming. The more you do it, the more naturally it will happen on its own.

2. Get goof with your entertainment

Inject some humor into your life by watching sitcoms, comedic movies, or YouTube videos that make you laugh. It can be hard to avoid negative feelings when you regularly watch the news or dramatic programs. Make sure to balance your viewing.

3. Spend time with family and friends who lift your spirits

Make sure to surround yourself with people who are happy and people who make you happy.

4. Look for things that you can smile and laugh about

When you consciously look for things to smile and laugh about, you are more likely to find them. You become more in tune with things that make you happy and are more likely to find a smile on a regular basis.

If you are among those who avoid smiling because you do not find your smile attractive, do something to improve those pearly whites so that you can lead a happier and more fulfilling life. Visit your dentist in Beverly Hills who can give you a brighter, whiter smile will be good for your dental health and your overall wellbeing.

At Samaritan Dental Arts, we can give you the smile that you dream of. Book an appointment for an assessment with your qualified dentist in Beverly Hills who can assess your needs and give you a smile that will last a lifetime.