Not every smile is a set of picture perfect pearly whites – the kind you see in movies and on toothpaste advertisements – but the secret is, they don’t have to be. Smiling is one of the most powerful things you can do, for yourself and for those around you. It not only boosts your mood, it can also increase your health and help you become more successful. Who knew that shifting a few muscles could be so good for you?
So what is it about smiling that makes it so good?
IT REDUCES STRESS AND ANXIETY
When you’re feeling stressed or anxious, the last thing you want to do is smile – but if you do, you might find yourself feeling better. Studies have shown that those who smiled when stressed have lower heart rates than those who kept a neutral expression, and thanks to the endorphins that are released when we smile, our bodies have a natural way to fight the stress.
IT INCREASES PRODUCTIVITY
It’s been a few years since Snow White told us to whistle while we work, but it turns out that she might have been onto something. Smiling (or whistling) has been shown to improve productivity while carrying out tasks – and it also helps you to be seen as a more effective leader.
While whistling might cause some irritation on behalf of your co-workers, having a cheeky chuckle at a photo of a dog that looks like it’s driving a car every now and then could actually increase your productivity.
IT IMPROVES YOUR MOOD
Everybody loves to be happy, and smiling is the easiest way to get there. Endorphins not only combat stress, they also naturally lift your mood – and all you have to do is smile. Even if you don’t feel like it, you might find that your fake smile soon becomes genuine.
IT’S CONTAGIOUS – IN A GOOD WAY
Did you know that when you flash a smile at someone, 50% of people smile back? And if that 50% go on to smile at others, and 50% of those smile back, you’ve created a chain reaction of happiness. Doesn’t that make you feel like smiling? We’d much rather catch a smile than the flu.
IT REDUCES PAIN AND BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
This might not be so beneficial if you find yourself with a broken leg, but for smaller cuts and bruises, the endorphins released when you smile can also act as a natural painkiller until you have time to get to the strong stuff.
And it doesn’t stop there – studies have shown that smiling that strengthens your immune system by encouraging the growth of white blood cells, which fight illnesses.
IT INCREASES YOUR PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS
Smiling at work, whether you’re meeting with clients, giving a presentation to your team, or pitching an idea to your boss, can go a long way in increasing your professional success. Those who smile appear more confident and in control, making them the first choice when it comes to raises and opportunities for career development.
DO YOU LOVE YOUR SMILE?
We hope you’re out there smiling your way through life! But if you’re not happy with your smile, or need orthodontic help, we are here to help.
Contact us today at Solas Orthodontics. We deeply understand how important having confidence in a smile, and having good dental health is.
The best part of our job is seeing patients walk out the door with a beautiful, sparkling smile lighting up their life. It’s unforgettable! If you need help with your teeth, we hope to see you walking out of our clinic just like that someday soon.