Smiling as medicine
Throughout my life, people have told me that I always have a smile on my face. I never really thought too much about it when people would point this out, but when I think about it I realize the power a smile can have. I use my smile to greet people, whether it’s old friends or new connections to create a welcoming space. I use it when I am a little nervous around somebody to try to lighten the mood. And I use it when I hear a song that brings back an amazing memory, recreating how I felt in that moment. It turns out that smiling not only helps you, but also the person you share your smile with. I remember when a colleague of mine finished a career making or breaking presentation she came to me and said, “Thank you. I could see you smiling the whole time.”
There is research that shows a child smiles 400 times a day, and a typical adult smiles only 20 times. I say we go back to being a child and here’s why.
It turns out, smiling is natural medicine. And guess what – it’s free! It’s also contagious, like yawning, when someone sees you smile they smile too 😊! On top of that, “smilers” appear more likeable, courteous and competent. They also can be more productive and make more 💰.
Smiling offers a mood boost by helping our bodies release dopamine, endorphins and serotonin. These hormones have numerous health benefits including:, reduced stress, strengthened immune and reduced pain.
To create your own smile medicine, make a list of 50 small things that make you smile then do at least 3 things on the list each day.
Here are few from my list:
Songs that bring back happy memories
In the morning, smiling and repeating the affirmation: waking up today brings me a smile.
Watching my dog when I rub her belly
Paying for the person in line behind me at Starbucks
Watching my grand niece and nephew play sports
Watching the sunrise
Walking on the beach
Hugging my husband or kids
Reading a book on a rainy day
Talking to my sister
If you are having a tough day, you can fake it til you make it, that’s medicine too!