what makes you smile essay

MY PERSONAL COMPASS ESSAY: The Power of a Smile

• by Clifton B. Parker
• October 07, 2005

I believe in the power of a smile. A smile can be a subtle twitch of the jaw muscles or a large grin with both rows of teeth showing much like a third-grader on picture day.

Smiling is contagious. One of my goals every day is to smile, whether to myself or to someone else, even a complete stranger. I have a neighbor, an elderly Chinese woman, I have no clue as to what her name is, yet every day when I leave my house I see her on her morning walk and we smile to each other. I once was on the W-line bus on my way to campus and I smiled to a person sitting across from me. I later realized the person was in one of my classes and I introduced myself as the guy that smiled to her on the bus. This person and I have become the closest of friends. I recently had a friend pass away, Johnny Napier, and at his funeral his parents had put up his senior portrait from high school. This was no ordinary senior portrait, however; it was Johnny smiling with a set of joke teeth in his mouth. Johnny's parents knew it was the way Johnny would have wanted us to remember him because he had the power to bring a smile to the faces of his family and friends.

Smiling is what grounds me; it stabilizes and makes me feel more in control every day. It reminds me that, despite the fast pace of life, I must always remember to be happy and appreciate the little things in life. Smiling helps me overcome times of fear, anxiety and nervousness. Smiling helps me express to others my proudest moments. Smiling helps me convey love for others. Sometimes, when no words can be spoken, a smile is all that is needed to fill the air.

The smile is a universal sign of happiness. I believe it is the ultimate connection between all humankind. No matter how big or small, if a smile is genuine it creates an ineffable feeling in the atmosphere. I believe in the power of a smile to make the saddest of circumstances a little better. I believe in the power of a smile to enrich the happiest experiences in life. I believe in the power of a smile to transcend all barriers between individuals and to create special moments in life.

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Clifton B. Parker, Dateline, (530) 752-1932, [email protected]

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• Life Hacking

The Science of Smiling: A Guide to The World’s Most Powerful Gesture

The smile is is the “the symbol that was rated with the highest positive emotional content” concludes scientist Andrew Newberg. And for me personally, I’ve been very reluctant before embracing smiling. Only a few years back, when one of my teachers told me: “Why don’t you smile more? Go learn how to do it!”, I started to research learn about the actual power of smiling.

I had a brief moment of disbelief that anyone can learn how to smile better. And yet, since then, for many years, I practiced smiling in the mirror and on many other occasions. That’s a fact I’ve often been a little embarrassed to admit, yet the research of this post confirms how powerful practicing a bit of smiling can be.

After recently discussing which words matter the most when we talk , digging into the facts of smiling was one of the most mentioned suggestions. So here we go:

The science of smiling: What happens to our brain when we smile

Let’s say you experience a positive situation and you see a friend you haven’t met in a long time. This means that neuronal signals travel from the cortex of your brain to the brainstem (the oldest part of our brains). From there, the cranial muscle carries the signal further towards the smiling muscles in your face.

Sounds simple enough right?

And yet, that’s only where it starts. Once the smiling muscles in our face contract, there is a positive feedback loop that now goes back to the brain and reinforces our feeling of joy. To put more succinctly:

“Smiling stimulates our brain’s reward mechanisms in a way that even chocolate, a well-regarded pleasure-inducer, cannot match.”

Smiling then, seems to give us the same happiness that exercising induces terms of how our brain responds. In short: our brain feels good and tells us to smile, we smile and tell our brain it feels good and so forth.

That’s why in a recent research scientists concluded “that smiling can be as stimulating as receiving up to 16,000 Pounds Sterling in cash.”  Here is a brief description of the different muscles the cranial muscle activates in our face:

Real vs. Fake smiles – can we tell the difference?

Whenever we smile, there are 2 potential muscles we activate. The first one is the zygomaticus major and it controls the corners of your mouth. Whenever this muscle only is activated, it’s not actually a genuine smile. Scientists call this also the “social” smile. The second muscle, known to show sincerity is the obicularis occuli and it encircles our eye socket.

The true smile also called the duchenne smile, named after the famous scientist who first separated the “mouth corners”-only smile, from the “eye socket” one. Here is a comparison:

Our brain can in fact distinguish very easily between what’s real and what’s fake. In fact researcher Dr. Niedenthal argues there are 3 ways we can do so:

• Our brain compares the geometry of a person’s face to a standard smile
• We think about the situation and judge whether a smile is expected.
• Most importantly: We automatically mimic the smile, to feel ourselves whether it is fake or real. If it is real, our brain will activate the same areas from the smiler and we can identify it as a real one.

Niedenthal then experimented with how important it is to be able to mimic smiles and whether we could still tell the genuine smiles from the fake ones:

Dr. Niedenthal and her colleagues asked the students to place a pencil between their lips. This simple action engaged muscles that could otherwise produce a smile. Unable to mimic the faces they saw, the students had a much harder time telling which smiles were real and which were fake.

So the fact that we can’t try it for ourselves, leaves us almost unable to identify any smile as fake or real. Why is this so important though to know what and what doesn’t trigger us to understand smiling? Here are some more insights:

What smiling does to our health, success and feeling of happiness

Smiling can change our brain, through the powerful feedback loop we discussed above. And your brain keeps track of your smiles, kind of like a smile scorecard. It knows how often you’ve smiled and which overall emotional state you are in therefore.

Smiling reduces stress that your body and mind feel, almost similar to getting good sleep , according to recent studies. And smiling helps to generate more positive emotions within you. That’s why we often feel happier around children – they smile more. On average, they do so 400 times a day. Whilst happy people still smile 40-50 times a day, the average of us only does so 20 times.

Why does this matter? Smiling leads to decrease in the stress-induced hormones that negatively affect your physical and mental health, say the latest studies :

• In the famous yearbook study, they tracked the lives of women who had the best smiles in yearbook photos compared to the rest. Women who smiled the most lived happier lives, happier marriages and had fewer setbacks. Here is a sample of the women from the observed yearbook. I let you guess who was successful and who wasn’t:

• The baseball card study also found a clear correlation between how big a smile someone made on a baseball card photo and how long they would live. The people who smiled the most turned out to live 7 years longer than those who didn’t.

Of course, the above only shows a correlation, and not a causation. And yet, I can’t help but agree that smiling breeds trust, makes you happier and helps you to live longer.

And most importantly, smiling can be learnt. Or to put more precisely, re-learnt. Most of us forget how to smile genuinely over time, as we adopt social smiles more and more. Here is a guide to get your genuine, duchenne smile back:

A 3 step guide to a better smile

Imagine a situation of joy before an event:.

One of the best ways to make your smile more genuine and real comes from researcher Andrew Newberg:

“We just asked a person, before they engage in a conversation with someone else, visualize someone they deeply love, or recall an event that brought them deep satisfaction and joy. It’s such an easy exercise, and we train people to do it in our workshops.”

Personally, I’ve tried to do the same experiment before a phone call or even before writing an email. I’ve found that people can always tell if you have a smile on your face, even if they don’t see you. I’ve even tracked how this improves response rates to emails I send for Buffer related feature suggestions or partnerships for example. That should most likely be another blogpost.

Practice smiling in front of the mirror

Here is something I’ve done for almost a few years in the morning: Stand in front of the mirror and smile. Practice to activate both your mouth corners and your eye sockets. You will know whenever your smile is genuine, because you will immediately feel happy and relaxed. The power of a smile, even practiced in the mirror is that it can invoke the emotion immediately.

Become comfortable with smiling

A lot of people (myself included!) see smiling as something that makes you weak. Personally, I’ve found that developing a better smile starts with being very comfortable to smile a lot. If in your head, you can imagine yourself going through the day and smiling lots to everyone and everything, that’s often when a happier life starts.

Yes, this might be just a small change in thinking. And yet, for me personally, that was the most important part to smile more every day.

Quick last fact: Women smile more than Men, here is why

Here is something interesting. Researcher LaFrance concluded that, overall, women smile a lot more than men. This comes not just from the fact that they might be happier, but also, that socially, it is more acceptable for women to smile, she says . And it doesn’t stop there:

“In general women are more accurate than men in detecting what is really going on with someone by looking at their face and listening to their voice. Women are more likely to tell the difference between a felt and a fake smile.”

Smiling is definitely more than just a contraction of muscles in your face. In fact Mother Teresa’s “We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.” reaches probably even further than imagined. What have you discovered about smiling? I’d love your insights on this.

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Essay on Smile | Meaning, Concept, Importance of Smile in Life

The meaning of life and the importance of a smile in our lives is explored in this article.

Table of Contents

Meaning, Concept, Importance of Smile in Life Essay

Meaning of smile.

Smile is one of the most essential things in life. Without a smile, we can easily become depressed and unhappy. Smiling is infectious and can brighten up even the darkest of days. It has been said that a good smile can make you look 10 years younger. We often take for granted how much a smile can mean to someone else. However, no matter what our age, it’s always important to keep our smile fresh and clean, both mentally and physically. Here are four reasons why it’s so important to keep a smile on your face:

1. Smiling Increases Our Confidence Levels.

When we smile, it sends out a message to the world that we are comfortable and happy with ourselves. This not only makes us feel good emotionally, but it also helps us build confidence in social situations. When we feel confident and happy, we are more likely to be successful in whatever we attempt.

2. Smiling Helps Us Connect With Others.

Smiling is one of the easiest ways to connect with others. When we smile at someone, it shows that we respect them and want to be friends with them.

Concept of Smile

Smile is not just a facial expression, it’s an entire way of life. A smile can project happiness and make someone appear more approachable. It can also be used to disguise anger or contempt. In fact, a smile can have such a positive impact on people that it’s been said to reduce stress levels, boost self-confidence and even improve relationships.

Why is having a good smile so important?

It’s no secret that happiness and positive emotions are linked with good health. People who are happy tend to have lower levels of stress , which in turn helps them maintain healthier weight and avoid diseases. Studies have also shown that smiling has a positive impact on memory, concentration and problem-solving skills.

So how do you develop a smile?

There are several things you can do to improve your smile: start by making sure your teeth are healthy and free of any problems; brush and floss regularly; avoid smoking, drinking alcohol or eating sugary foods; get plenty of exercise; and use natural light when possible. If you’re not happy with your smile, speak to your dentist about treatment options .

Importance of Smile in Life

Smiling is an important component of life. It can help to improve relationships, make people more approachable and generally make everyone feel happier. Smiling has been shown to have a wide range of health benefits, from reducing stress levels to reducing the risk of heart disease.

The reason why smiling is so important is that it can have a positive effect on both our physical and emotional well-being. When we smile, it sends out a message that we are happy and content with who we are. This can boost our confidence and make us more approachable, which can lead to better relationships and even networking opportunities.

It’s no wonder then that studies have shown that people who smile more often are generally happier. In fact, a study published in the journal ‘Personality and Social Psychology Review’ found that people who smiled for just two minutes per day were three times as likely to be happy as those who didn’t smile at all!

So why not start smiling more often? It’s definitely worth it – not only will you be feeling happier yourself, but you could also be making someone else feel much better too.

Smiling is one of the most natural and automatic reactions that we have. It not only makes us look more attractive but also conveys a message of friendliness and goodwill. A smile also reduces stress, helps to prevent tooth decay, boosts our moods, and can even reduce the risk of heart disease. So why do so many people struggle to keep a smile on their face? Here are some reasons:

There are countless factors that can contribute to poor oral health, such as smoking, drinking alcohol excessively, lack of regular dental check-ups, chewing sugarless gum or other artificial products, and neglecting oral hygiene. Poor oral health can lead to conditions like gingivitis or periodontal disease which can cause pain and damage to teeth and gums respectively. This in turn can lead to decreased levels of saliva production which in turn weakens tooth enamel leading to cavities.

It’s important for us all to take care of our smiles because they play such an important role in our lives both physically and emotionally. By taking simple steps like visiting your dentist regularly or getting braces when necessary, you’ll be able to maintain healthy teeth and smiles for years to come!

Hello! Welcome to my Blog StudyParagraphs.co. My name is Angelina. I am a college professor. I love reading writing for kids students. This blog is full with valuable knowledge for all class students. Thank you for reading my articles.

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Student Essays

Essay on Smile | Meaning, Concept, Importance of Smile in Life

Smile is the greatest weapon that we can use to solve our most of  unreasonable problems. Smile is the emotion of joy, wonder and festivity. It’s the expression of inner peace, certainty, happiness and contentment. Smile often help you relieve problems and stay more confident in the wake of worrying life problems. The following Essay on Smile talks about its core meaning and concept, why smile is important, advantages of smile in life. This essay is very helpful for children and students in all school exams and written tests.

Essay on Smile | Meaning, Concept, Importance of Smile in Life of Students

Smile is the powerful force that can make our day. It is the best medicine that we can take to feel better. There are many benefits of smile. It not only makes us happy but also helps in improving our health. A smile is a facial expression formed by flexing the muscles near both ends of the mouth. Smiling is a powerful tool that can help us in many ways. It is the best medicine that we can take to feel better. There are many benefits of smile. It not only makes us happy but also helps in improving our health. Smiling can boost our mood:

>>>> Read Also: ” Paragraph on My Hobby Dancing ”

When we smile, it sends signals to our brain that releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals have mood-boosting effects that can help us feel happy and relaxed.

Smiling can help us stay positive : It is easy to feel down when we are faced with challenges in our life. But if we force ourselves to smile, it can help us stay positive and see the situation in a more optimistic light.

Smiling can make us look younger: Our skin wrinkles as we age. But if we smile often, the muscles around our eyes will stay strong and this will help to prevent wrinkles from forming.

Smiling can improve our physical health: Studies have shown that smiling can help to lower our blood pressure and heart rate. It can also help to boost our immune system. Smiling is contagious:

When we smile, it often triggers a smile in the people around us. This can create a positive chain reaction that can make everyone feel happier.

>> Related Post:  “ Essay on Determination in Life ”

Therefore, smile is a powerful tool that can help us in many ways. It not only makes us happy but also helps in improving our health. So, let’s put on a smile and make the world a happier place!

Essay on Smile and the World Smiles with You:

A smile is a universal language that has the power to brighten up someone’s day and bring people together. It is often said that when we smile, the world smiles with us. This simple action has the ability to spread happiness and positivity wherever we go.

Smiling not only changes our mood but also affects those around us. When we see someone smiling, it automatically makes us feel good. It is a contagious act that can uplift someone’s spirits, even if they are feeling down. A smile is a small gesture, but it has the potential to turn someone’s day around.

Moreover, smiling is also beneficial for our own mental and physical health. It helps reduce stress and anxiety levels, boosts our immune system, and lowers blood pressure. When we smile, our brain releases endorphins, also known as the “feel-good hormones,” that make us feel happy and relaxed. It is a natural stress reliever and can even act as a painkiller.

But most importantly, smiling promotes kindness and connection among people. No matter where we come from or what language we speak, a genuine smile can break barriers and bring us closer. It is a reminder that we are all human and share similar emotions and experiences.

In conclusion, “smile and the world smiles with you” is more than just a saying; it holds a deeper meaning. A smile represents love, kindness, and positivity, which have the capacity to spread like wildfire. So let’s make an effort to smile more often and make the world a better place, one smile at a time.

As William Arthur Ward once said, “A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” So let’s spread kindness through our smiles and brighten up the world together. So, always remember to put on your best smile and watch as the world smiles with you.

Short Essay on Smile:

A smile is a universal language that knows no boundaries, culture or religion. It is the simplest form of expression that can convey emotions such as happiness, joy, and love. A smile has the power to brighten up someone’s day, ease pain and spread positivity. In just a second, it can make us feel better and more connected with others.

Smiling not only has a positive impact on our emotional well-being but also on our physical health. It is known to reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and boost the immune system. Moreover, it is contagious and can help in building strong relationships with others.

In today’s fast-paced world, we often forget to smile or take things too seriously. But a simple act of smiling can help us appreciate the little things in life and bring a sense of calmness. It costs nothing, yet its effects are priceless. So, let’s spread more smiles and make this world a happier place to live in. Remember, “A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.”

Smiling also has an impact on how others perceive us. People who smile often appear more approachable, confident and attractive. It is a sign of warmth and genuineness that helps in building trust and forming strong relationships. Smiling can also be a powerful tool to diffuse conflicts or tense situations.

Practicing smiling every day can help us lead a healthier and happier life. Whether it’s through compliments, jokes, or acts of kindness, we should strive to make others smile as well. A single smile can have a ripple effect, spreading happiness and positivity wherever it goes. So let’s all make an effort to keep smiling and making this world a better place, one smile at a time!

The Power of Smile Essay:

A smile is a powerful tool that can change someone’s mood. It can make someone feel loved, appreciated, and valued. A genuine smile has the power to brighten even the darkest of days. When you see a friend or a stranger smiling, it’s hard not to return the gesture because smiles are contagious.

Smiling not only benefits others but also ourselves. Research shows that smiling releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones, and reduces stress levels. It can also boost our immune system and lower blood pressure. But most importantly, a genuine smile can improve our mental health and overall well-being.

So don’t underestimate the power of a smile. Spread happiness wherever you go, because sometimes all it takes is a simple smile to change someone’s world.

Smiling can also have a positive impact on our relationships. A smile can make us appear more approachable and friendly, making it easier to connect with others. It creates a sense of trust and comfort, allowing people to open up and share their thoughts and feelings.

Moreover, smiling can even improve our professional lives. People who smile often are seen as more confident, attractive and reliable. It can also improve our communication skills and help us build better relationships with colleagues and clients.

In conclusion, smiling is not just a simple facial expression but a powerful tool that has the ability to impact our lives in numerous ways. So let’s always make an effort to share our smiles with others and spread positivity wherever we go. Let’s embrace the power of a smile and make the world a happier place, one smile at a time. So keep smiling, because as they say, “a smile is the universal language of kindness”.

Q: What is climate change?

A: Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global or regional climate patterns, often resulting in increased temperatures and altered weather patterns due to factors like greenhouse gas emissions.

Q: How do greenhouse gases contribute to climate change?

A: Greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to a warming effect. This contributes to climate change by increasing global temperatures.

Q: What are the effects of climate change?

A: Climate change can lead to rising sea levels, more frequent and severe weather events, loss of biodiversity, altered ecosystems, and a range of negative impacts on human societies and economies.

Q: What is renewable energy?

A: Renewable energy is energy derived from natural sources that are constantly replenished, such as sunlight, wind, and geothermal heat. It is sustainable and has a lower environmental impact compared to fossil fuels.

Q: Why is conservation important?

A: Conservation is important to protect and preserve natural resources, ecosystems, and biodiversity. It helps maintain ecological balance and ensures resources for future generations.

Q: What is the greenhouse effect?

A: The greenhouse effect is the natural process by which certain gases in the Earth’s atmosphere trap heat, allowing the planet to maintain a suitable temperature for life. However, human activities have intensified this effect, leading to global warming and climate change.

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10 Big Benefits of Smiling

Choose to smile every day to boost mood and health

Many see smiling simply as an involuntary response to things that bring you joy or inspire laughter. While this is certainly true, it overlooks an important point: Smiling can be a conscious, intentional choice.

What does psychology have to say about smiling? Whether your smile is genuine or not, it can act on your body and mind in a variety of positive ways, offering benefits for your health, your mood, and even the moods of people around you.

What Can Smiling Mean?

Research suggests that there are three primary types of smiles:

• Reward : Smiles that convey approval, happiness, contentment, and other positive feelings.
• Affiliation : Smiles that communicate positive intention, trustworthiness, belongingness, compassion, and social connection.
• Dominance : Smiles intended to convey contempt, disgust, or superiority. Such smiles have been shown to increase cortisol (stress hormone) levels in people they are directed toward.

Smiling Helps You Live Longer

Paul Bradbury / Caiaimage / Getty Images

Perhaps the most compelling reason to smile is that it may lengthen your overall lifespan. One study found that genuine, intense smiling is associated with longer life.

Happy people seem to enjoy better health and longevity, but more research is needed to understand why. Research indicates that happiness could increase lifespan by years—suggesting maintaining a happy, positive mood may be an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

Smiling Relieves Stress

Stress can permeate our entire being, including showing up in your face and expression. Smiling not only helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed, but it can actually help decrease stress .

Believe it or not, smiling can reduce stress even if you don't feel like smiling or even if you fake it with a smile that isn't genuine.

When you are stressed, try intentionally putting a smile on your face. It may help improve your mood and ability to manage the stress you are experiencing.

Smiling Elevates Mood

Smiling can also help make you feel happy. Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There's a good chance your mood will change for the better.

The physical act of smiling activates pathways in your brain that influence your emotional state—meaning that by adopting a happy facial expression, you can "trick" your mind into entering a state of happiness. This affect works whether or not your smile is genuine.

A simple smile can trigger the release of neuropeptides that improve your neural communication. It also causes the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which can boost your mood. Think of smiling as a natural antidepressant.

Smiling Is Contagious

How many times have you heard that a smile has the power to light up the room? While it is certainly a beautiful sentiment, it carries a hint of truth.

Smiling not only can elevate your mood, but it can also change the moods of others for the better.

Research suggests that smiles are actually contagious. Your brain automatically notices and interprets other people's facial expressions—and sometimes, you may even mimic them. That means you might spot someone else's smile and unconsciously smile yourself.

Smiling Boosts the Immune System

Smiling can also boost your overall health by helping your immune system to function more effectively. It is thought that when you smile, immune function improves because you are more relaxed (thanks to the release of certain neurotransmitters).

Whether you're trying to maintain your overall health or strengthen your immune system ahead of cold and flu season, smiling may help. Warding off illness and staying healthier can also play a role in helping you feel less stressed.

Smiling May Lower Blood Pressure

Smiling could have a beneficial impact on your blood pressure. Laughter specifically seems to lower blood pressure, after causing an initial increase in heart rate and breathing.

While smiling has been shown to lower your heart rate in the face of stress, more research is needed to determine how it reduces blood pressure.

If you have a blood pressure monitor at home, you can try testing this idea for yourself. Sit for a few minutes and take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference?

Smiling Reduces Pain

Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, other natural painkillers, and serotonin . Together, these brain chemicals make us feel good from head to toe. Not only do they elevate your mood, but they also relax your body and reduce physical pain. Smiling is a natural drug.

Smiling Makes You Attractive

We are naturally drawn to people who smile. While more severe or negative facial expressions like frowns, scowls, and grimaces work in the opposite manner, effectively pushing people away, smiling is seen as more attractive—and people may even assume you have more positive personality traits if you're smiling.

Not only can smiling make you more attractive, but it can also make you look more youthful. The muscles we use to smile also lift the face, making a person appear younger. So instead of opting for a facelift, just try smiling your way through the day—you'll look younger and feel better.

Smiling Suggests Success

Research has shown that people who smile regularly appear more confident , are more likely to be promoted, and are more likely to be approached. Try putting on a smile at meetings and business appointments. You might find that people react to you differently.

Smiling Helps You Stay Positive

Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It's hard, isn't it?

Smiling can influence your feelings of positivity, even if it feels unnatural or forced. Regardless of whether or not your smile is genuine, it still sends the message that "Life is good!" to your brain and, ultimately, the rest of your body.

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Abel EL, Kruger ML. Smile intensity in photographs predicts longevity .  Psychol Sci . 2010;21(4):542-544. doi:10.1177/0956797610363775

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Marmolejo-Ramos F, Murata A, Sasaki K, et al. Your face and moves seem happier when I smile: Facial action influences the perception of emotional faces and biological motion stimuli .  Exp Psychol . 2020;67(1):14-22. doi:10.1027/1618-3169/a000470

Wood A, Rychlowska M, Korb S, Niedenthal P. Fashioning the face: Sensorimotor simulation contributes to facial expression recognition .  Trends Cogn Sci. 2016;20(3):227-240. doi:10.1016/j.tics.2015.12.010

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Psychology to Grin About: The Benefits of Smiling and Laughter

Posted June 6, 2019 by UWA | Psychology and Counseling News

Important Dates

Smiles and laughs are simple things. Or, are they? While a seemingly insignificant part of most days, our smiles and laughs have more implications than we realize. Studies show that there are numerous benefits of both, including boosts in our mental and physical health, better social lives and even increased lifespans.

Why Do We Smile and Laugh?

A genuine smile is produced without us realizing it. A true laugh comes out without any thought. That said, we don’t only smile or laugh when we feel genuinely content and happy. In fact, humans smile for other reasons, including to be polite or to appear approachable. We might laugh out of embarrassment or even fear. Laughter and smiling are complex behaviors that have prompted a lot of research.

Both smiling and laughing have been studied extensively for centuries. French scientist Guillaume Duchenne was a French neurologist who studied laughter and smiling in the 1800s, and he found that two facial muscles are engaged during smiling. One is the zygomatic major which controls the corners of our mouth. We can activate this muscle when we want. The other is the orbicularis oculi, which controls the area around our eyes. We can’t activate this muscle at will. That means, only with a genuine laugh or smile, what has now been dubbed a Duchenne smile, are both our mouth and eyes engaged.

Newer research expands on the fact that smiles aren’t always caused by pure happiness or contentment. Dr. Harry Witchel conducted research that suggests smiling is driven less by an inner cheerfulness and instead is a social cue based on engagement.

The study Dr. Witchel performed consisted of participants completing a quiz on a computer. He found that interaction with the computer caused participants to smile and, surprisingly, they were more likely to smile when they answered incorrectly. Witchel attributed this finding to evolution’s effects on human behavior or behavioral ecology theory, a Darwinian approach to the study of behaviors.

“According to some researchers, a genuine smile reflects the inner state of cheerfulness or amusement,” Witchel said. “However, behavioral ecology theory suggests that all smiles are tools used in social interactions; that theory claims that cheerfulness is neither necessary nor sufficient for smiling.”

The multitude of research done suggests that we probably smile out of true happiness and out of social necessity. Laughter isn’t much different.

When it comes to laughter, there are two types: social and involuntary. Professor Sophie Scott , a professor known for her TED Talk called “Why We Laugh.” In an interview with Business Insider, she said “I think that the two most important kinds of laughs or distinctions between laughs are whether or not they are completely involuntary or if they’re a bit more communicative.”

Like smiling, laughter can be the product of social interaction or bubble up all on its own. Scott pointed out that, with involuntary laughter, you sometimes can’t stop laughing, and the laugh itself seems to take over your body. Social laughter, on the other hand, is a controlled part of interactions. “We’re laughing as much to show that we like someone, we know someone, we’re part of the same group as someone. We understand them,” Scott said.

Though more research is needed into why we smile and laugh, it’s apparent that there are psychological and physical benefits to laughter and smiling. Read on to find out more about how laughter and smiling positively impact your life.

We’re laughing as much to show that we like someone, we know someone, we’re part of the same group as someone. We understand them.”– Professor Sophie Scott

The Benefits of Smiling and Laughter

The physical and psychological benefits of laughter and smiling are plentiful. Research shows that those who consciously or subconsciously smile more live better and longer.

Though not all of them, here are some of the benefits of smiling and laughing.

You’re More Approachable

Research shows there are benefits to smiling at others. You may have heard that laughter is contagious. Studies show this is indeed true.

Scott pointed out, “This response in the brain, automatically priming us to smile or laugh, provides a way or mirroring the behavior of others, something which helps us interact socially. It could play an important role in building strong bonds between individuals in a group.”

This means when you smile or laugh, your positivity will likely be reflected, helping you form relationships and cultivate positivity.

Interested in Psychology?

Our online bachelor’s degree in psychology is sure to make anyone interested in the field of psychology smile. At UWA, you can earn your degree entirely online at one of the state’s most affordable institutions.

Your Body Releases Good Hormones

Your body releases three hormones that make you feel good when you smile. They include dopamine, endorphins and serotonin. These signal to your body that you’re happy, and in turn, you feel happier.

Author of “ Smile: The Astonishing Powers of a Simple Act ” Ron Gutman said, “British researchers found that one smile can generate the same level of brain stimulation as up to 2,000 bars of chocolate.”

In fact, even if you force a smile, you’ll feel better. While it might not be a natural Duchenne smile, you can in fact make yourself feel better simply by forcing a smile. Interestingly, a small British study even suggested those who used BOTOX and physically could not frown felt happier.

You Have Better Relationships

Writer William Arthur Ward said, “A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” This is indeed true. Laughter and smiling promote camaraderie and help us produce social bonds.

In fact, laughter has been connected to emotional well-being in couples. In a study conducted in 2015, psychologists recorded 71 romantic couples explaining how they first met. They found that the amount of the conversation spent simultaneously laughing was positively associated with relationship quality, closeness and social support.

As we mentioned before, laughter communicates that two people are part of something together. Therefore, it strengthens bonds and deepens relationships.

“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.”– William Arthur Ward

You’re More Productive at Work

Jessica Pryce-Jones, the author of “Happiness at Work,” said “Happiness at work is closely correlated with greater performance and productivity as well as greater energy, better reviews, faster promotion, higher income, better health and increased happiness with life.”

Pryce-Jones and her team performed research that showed that the happier a worker felt, the more productive they were. Her research compiled results from 3,000 people in 79 countries. The happiest employees were 180% more energized and 155% happier with their jobs. They spent 80% of their week on work-related tasks, compared to the 40% their least happy coworkers spent.

Since many of us spend a good portion of our lives in the workplace, feeling productive and happy is important. Therefore, starting to laugh and smile more at work is beneficial.

You Relieve Stress

The stress reduction effects from laughter are well documented. Laughter can cool down your stress response by decreasing your heart rate and blood pressure, causing you to feel more relaxed. Laughter also stimulates circulation that helps your muscles relax, which can reduce the physical symptoms of stress over time.

As we discussed above, you’ll also get a dose of dopamine, endorphins and serotonin to put you in a better mood moving forward. Smiling and laughter, even during difficult times , can truly help a person deal with stress and come out the other side healthier.

You May Live Longer

Everything mentioned above may lead to this important point. Those who smile and laugh often may have longer lives than those that don’t.

A 15-year Norwegian study published in April of 2016 found that women with strong senses of humor lived longer than others. In fact, they were 73% less likely to die from heart disease and 83% less likely to die from infection. Men with a better sense of humor seemed to be more protected from infection only, with 74% less risk of death associated with high scores in humor.

Laughter stimulates organs. It can enhance your intake of oxygen, stimulate your heart and other muscles and decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. Less stress, better social relationships and a stronger overall feeling of happiness can indeed help you weather the physical effects of aging. In short, the secret to staying young is truly to laugh a lot.

How Do I Find Ways to Laugh and Smile More?

If all these smile benefits have you asking how you can help yourself laugh and smile more, there are many things you can do. Here are a few things to try to encourage more laughter and smiling in your life:

• Force it if you must: Since even a fake smile can increase your feelings of happiness, the first step to being happier is smiling even when you don’t feel like it.
• Find humor: If you’re feeling down or even just notice that you haven’t laughed in a while, put on a funny movie, read some jokes or seek out a humor boost in any way you enjoy.
• Engage with others: We are socialized to laugh and smile more in a group. Make sure you spend time with friends who make you do both regularly.
• Laugh at yourself: Life is really all about how you approach things. Even if you’re going through hard times, look for the good or the humor. This will positively impact your outlook, your health and your overall quality of life.

The psychology of smiling and laughing give us plenty to study and explore. Are you interested in learning more? Our online bachelor’s degree in psychology is sure to make anyone interested in the field of psychology smile. At UWA, you can earn your degree entirely online at one of the state’s most affordable institutions. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree but would like to sharpen your scholarly research skills, you could benefit from our online master’s in experimental psychology .

The Cognition Sentinel

Guarding Knowledge, Inspiring Minds

What Makes You Smile: Finding Joy in Everyday Life

Introduction

Smiling is not only a way to express happiness but it also helps to create it. Research has shown that smiling can improve our moods, reduce stress, and even boost our immune systems. Therefore, it is important to find ways to smile more often. In this article, we will explore different ways to think about what makes us smile and how to actively seek joy in everyday life.

Personal Anecdotes

One of my favorite memories that always brings a smile to my face is the time when my dog, Max, caught a frisbee mid-air and brought it back to me. It was a beautiful day, and it seemed like time had slowed down for a moment while Max and I played. I also remember when I received a handwritten thank-you note from a student I had tutored, expressing gratitude and appreciation for our work together. Both of these experiences brought me immense joy.

Reflecting on these stories can help us identify what makes us smile. It might be spending time with loved ones, accomplishing something challenging, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature.

Research and Statistics

Studies have shown that smiling can produce positive physiological effects, like lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, and even boosting the immune system (Ekman, 2003). Additionally, smiling can elevate one’s mood (Kraft & Pressman, 2012).

Even just the act of putting a smile on one’s face, regardless of feeling good, can stimulate the feel-good chemicals in the brain, like dopamine and endorphins (Schoeller & Duncan, 2017). This emphasizes the importance of smiling despite circumstances to achieve positivity and happiness in everyday life.

Expert Interviews

I spoke with happiness coach, John Kim, and stress reduction expert, Dr. Kelly McGonigal, to learn more about how they incorporate smiling into their practices.

John Kim shared: “I ask my clients to practice ‘joy therapy.’ This includes writing down things that bring them joy, seeking out people who make them happy, and setting intentions for joy throughout the day.”

Dr. Kelly McGonigal shared: “Smiling, even in difficult circumstances, can help us reframe negative experiences and reduce stress. Additionally, gratitude practices and reflecting on positive experiences can increase happiness and well-being.”

Shared Experiences

I reached out to a few friends and family members to ask them what makes them smile, and here are some of the responses:

• Spending time with loved ones (including pets!)
• Watching a good movie or reading a book
• Trying new hobbies or revisiting old passions
• Traveling to new places or revisiting familiar ones
• Laughing and having a good sense of humor

These shared experiences help us think about our own sources of joy and find ways to incorporate them regularly into our lives.

Creative Writing

Once upon a time, there was a character named Leo, who lost his ability to smile due to a series of unfortunate events. He went to great lengths to find his smile, including seeking advice from friends, writing down things that made him happy, and experimenting with new activities. Eventually, he found his smile while volunteering at a local animal shelter, where he was able to play with puppies and help them find forever homes. Leo realized that joy is sometimes found in unexpected places and that seeking out happiness is an active process.

Photo Essay

Here are some photos of things that make me smile:

This photo captures the joy of spending time outdoors and enjoying nature. It reminds me of the feeling of the sun on my skin and the sound of the waves crashing onto the shore.

This photo represents the joy of experiencing memorable adventures with loved ones. It reminds me of the feeling of accomplishment in reaching the summit and the elation of sharing that with someone else.

This photo captures the beauty of nature and its ability to bring us joy. It reminds me of the feeling of walking through a garden and being surrounded by colors and smells that awaken the senses.

Self-Reflection

Reflecting on what makes me smile, I have realized that spending time with loved ones, being outdoors, and doing creative activities bring me the greatest joy. I plan to incorporate these activities more often into my routine and to seek out new opportunities to smile and experience joy.

Smiling and feeling joy are essential to our well-being. By reflecting on personal experiences, learning from experts, and seeking out shared experiences, we can find ways to actively incorporate joy into our lives.

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The Power of a Smile – How Smiling Can Change Your Life and Change the World

30  Comments

“the expression one wears on one’s face is far more important than the clothes one wears on one’s back.” – Dale Carnegie

If you were to ask someone who knows me to describe who I am, undoubtedly one of the first things that they will say is that I am a continually happy or ‘smiley’ person. This is something that I always laugh about as it has been mentioned many times throughout my life! The good thing is I’m not complaining as a smile has a tonne of benefits to your overall wellbeing.

Smiling is number 2 on the list of the 43 Habits of Absolutely Happy People . If you can turn smiling into a habit, then you can turn happiness into a habit… let’s explore!

1) You’re More Attractive!

Do you want to be more attractive? Simple. Smile! Research has proven that we find others more attractive when they are wearing a smile. This one is a no-brainer, but for the sake of helping it land in your mind, think about someone who you know and think of first when they are down, sad, angry, frustrated, whatever it may be. How attractive are they? Now picture them simply with a smile on their face. What does this do to their attractiveness? If you took the time to do this exercise, I’m sure you would have easily found the smiling version much more attractive, and maybe this even made you feel a happy tingle inside yourself! This leads to my next point.

2) You Can CHANGE THE WORLD! A Smile is Contagious!

Have you ever been in a sour mood and then someone has come along with a huge smile, some laughter or in a really good mood? Perhaps a baby that just looked up at you and smiled? How did this make you feel? When the person you are talking to or the people that surround you are smiling, you won’t be able to help but smile!

A smile has special powers. You can calm fear, insecurity, hurt and anxiety not only in yourself, but in those that are experiencing those feelings. The next time someone is feeling sad, scared, nervous, whatever it may be, smile with them and see how this makes them feel!

Even 2Pac, the rap legend that passed away realised the benefits of smiling, in his lyrics to ‘Power of a Smile’ he raps: The power of a gun can kill, and the power of fire can burn The power of wind can chill, and the power of mind can learn The power of anger, can raise inside until it tears you apart But the power of a smile, especially yours, can heal a frozen heart

A smile is a contagious thing. Give to the world and the world will give back to you. Smile at the world and the world will smile back at you. You will brighten the days of those around and make a difference in their lives… simply by smiling!

3) Grow Old Sexily!

Wrinkles, wrinkles, wrinkles! Something that we all don’t want to have, however it is something that comes to us all leaving permanent marks of our emotional feelings throughout life. Smiling throughout life will NOT mean you won’t get wrinkles… I wish it did! It WILL however mean that you will have permanent marks of happiness and when you speak with those later in life, you will automatically be smiling!

You also use fewer muscles to smile than you do for frowning. Hopefully you’re smiling now as you read this, but if not, smile now! … Now that you have tried smiling, try and frown. Which one do you think is easier? I would definitely say smiling is the easier of the two, and therefore stretching your muscles and skin less throughout life to grow old sexily!

4) Simply Feel Good!

When you’re smiling, no doubt you’re having a much better time than when you’re not! Smiling simply makes you feel better!

Research has shown that smiling releases serotonin – a neurotransmitter that produces feelings of happiness and wellbeing. It’s like a circle of happiness. Smile and you feel happy, you feel happy and you smile! Even when you’re not feeling great, try smiling, genuinely, and see how you feel!

5) Build Better, Faster Relationships!

Smiling is such a key ingredient for establishing healthy and genuine friendships. When someone is smiling at you it indicates that they like you. When someone likes you what do you think of them? Yep, normally you’re thinking “wow, I like this person!” Smiling also offers encouragement to the person that you are talking to. Think about it, if someone is smiling at you while you are talking to them, you feel as though they are totally into what you are saying, encouraging you to keep going!

Smiling is crucial when it comes to first impressions. Smiling when you first meet someone will indicate to the other person that you are genuinely happy to see them and that you are a positive person. These impressions will be lasting on the other person so definitely not one to miss!

6) Enhance your Business!

Business deals can be made simply through smiling. One of the first things that sales people quickly learn is to smile. Who would you rather buy something from? The sales rep that looks bored, down, angry, frustrated or whatever it may be, or from the sales rep that is simply smiling and happy to see you? The messages that they convey in conversation will link back to how they are feeling. A smiling person would be much more enthusiastic for the product and instil positive feelings in the buyer.

Even telesales have got a hold on this. Now sales reps that are on the other side of the phone are encouraged to smile when they talk as the smile is conveyed in how the person is talking!

Action Plan

It can’t be that hard, can it?

2) Visualise your happiest moments

A number of people will say that they find it hard to smile due to circumstances in their life. Research has shown that our thoughts and feelings influence our behaviours. As this is the case, I encourage you to close your eyes and think of the moments that have made you laugh and smile. How does this make you feel? These visualization exercises are great for helping you smile.

3) Just do it!

Further research has now flipped the above completely on its head and suggested that our behaviours can actually influence our thoughts and feelings ! As this is the case, I encourage you to JUST DO IT! Simply forcing a smile will give you the benefits of the above. Stand up straight, work on your posture, smile to the world and ‘fake it till you make it’! It WILL work!

Check out this fantastic video on TED , spoken by Ron Gutman who provides some fascinating insights into the power of smiling!

P.S. Incase you missed it, I have an article on Lifehack which has been the most viewed in the past week . Check it out here and let me know your thoughts!

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Brendan Baker

Brendan Baker is Australia's leading personal development blogger and and helps people build and grow online businesses based on their passions. He has created the Launch Your Life Academy and Your First 1000 Subscribers . Connect with Brendan: Twitter , Facebook , Google+

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A smile can suppress the greatest of authorities under your will. Simply due to its undeniably overwhelming power. Thus, making you an overpoweringly attractive being.

The continous practice of this concept of consistently smiling has brought me a long way. Although, i almost forgot about it for a while due to certain happenings. But thank goodness i found your post just in time. It has done a splendid job of remindering me of a number of my success tools.

Stay Blessed.

I once tried smiling crazily(I ean really often). and you know what, about several days later people say that I look beautiful even I dont smile at that time when they were talking to me. it means smile can permanently beautify

I used to smile with no reason and l found myself happy, till now it helps me interact with strangers and make them feel as I’m familiar of them. Thanks much bro from the new feeds in your article i need to prove them

Hi Brendan, a great article on the benefits of smiling. Someone once said a “smile is the only thing that has value when its given away” and I actually agreed with that. But then I discovered that the act of smiling releases endorphins in your brain which lightens your mood and also has health benefits. And as you’ve just pointed out, there are many more benefits including, you’re seen as more attractive by those you come into contact with.

Great blog, keep it coming…

Ernest Borgnine was always smiling.

Smiling in the animal world is a sign of aggression but I also thing engagement and acceptance or the start of it. My drivers license used to look like the unabomber photo but then I thought of my wealthy aunt that always smiled. Also, I thought of the people, bosses and directors, in the newspaper that always seemed to be smiling. I also think of Jewel and Tom Cruise and how they used to have crooked teeth. I always think of the large boned Queen Latifah and her permanent smile. It could be psychosomatic or Neoro programming. Best wishes. Laugh lines are com

i dont even know where to start from. smiling has always been my asset. i dont know what happened to me that i decided to google the power of smile. i do laugh a lot too. some people think im crazy some dont seem to understand but im cool with it.. it makes me feel younger at times

Thank 4 dis great impact ,dear

I like this article. This is not an easy do but worth. Don’t need something big to make a big change. Just smile…

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Hi, Everyone I dated in the past left me, because I smile too much. so, you could guess that they stole smile from my face.

I got this web page from my buddy who shared with me on the topic of this site and now this time I am visiting this website and reading very informative articles at this place.

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Loved this article! I always try to smile at people even if I only get strange looks in return lol.

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Love your article! Did you know that research has shown that smiling actually releases chemical hormones that make us feel better? For those who have trouble forcing themselves to smile, another idea is to watch the silliest youtube.com video they can find. After a few minutes it will be much easier to crack a smile!

Best… idea… ever!!! This just made me crack a laugh! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDQwQGzMTKc

Absolutely love it and completely agree. When you are feeling down, smile, it will completely change your state and put your life and life situation into perspective. Smiling rocks!

haha, love it Mark!!

Agree that it helps put things into perspective as well… sometimes people feel unhappy for no reason!

SMILING ROCKS!

I know that smiling can make you feel better. And I know that it’s something you should do when you’re down. But gosh darn it, sometimes I just don’t want to feel better. It makes me feel that, if all it took was a smile to make me feel better, than apparently I had no business being upset in the first place. I will admit that sometimes I like to be in the dark about that fact. I’m not proud of it. But I’m aware of it, and I’ll try to smile more often on purpose.

Hehe, love it Liz! Very true…

Despite what I’m talking about through this site and in the post above, I actually do believe that it is HEALTHY to be down or sad at times and to feel the emotions. You need to feel this in order to appreciate happiness. The key is to be able to manage your emotions and ensure that feeling down is not a lingering feeling!

You have the choice to make that change.

I’ve tried forcing smiles when I’m down… I must admit that it feels really strange and stupid, because I don’t want to be doing it, but you’re right. It does make a difference 🙂

hehe, no doubt about it, Nat!

It’s awesome that your behaviours can influence your mood… it IS hard work at first because you are going completely against what your subconcious thoughts are telling you to do, however it as you start to change your behaviour you start to feel the shift in mood, continually making it easier.

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Home / Essay Samples / Life / Smiling / The Real Magic Of Smiling

The Real Magic Of Smiling

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• Topic: Interpersonal Communication , Smiling

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