The Top 7 Health Benefits of Smiling
Smiling has well-documented social benefits. A genuine smile can make you seem more likable, attractive, intelligent and even trustworthy.
But did you know that smiling more often—regardless of your mood—can
improve your health and help you live longer? Discover seven of the
surprising health benefits of smiling.
1. Improved Mood
Smiling can boost your mood when you’re feeling blue, and may be
beneficial for people struggling with anxiety and depression. A 2010 study
found that making yourself smile when you’re feeling down helps improve
your mood and increases positive thoughts. So, if you’re having a bad
day, try smiling anyway—it may lead to a genuine smile and lift your
spirits.
2. Lower Blood Pressure
Smiling and laughing more appear to help lower your blood pressure, which is good news for your heart health. A 2009 review
explains that laughter causes an initial increase in heart rate,
followed by a period of muscle relaxation and a decrease in heart rate
and blood pressure, which helps reduce your risk of developing heart
disease.
3. Stress Relief
Did you know that smiling more often, whether you’re feeling happy or
not, helps your body deal with stressful situations more effectively? A
2015 study published in Psychological Science found that smiling can
result in a lower heart rate
during stressful tasks. Stress generally causes increases in heart rate
and blood pressure. So, maintaining a smile when stressed provides you
with both psychological and physical health benefits.
4. Better Relationships
Have you noticed that you’re drawn to people who smile a lot? People
who smile are perceived as being more likable than people who don’t
smile, according to one 2014 study.
Being likable makes it easier to build and maintain better
relationships with people, which is important for your overall health
and well-being. A 2010 study
found that people with positive emotions have more stable marriages and
better interpersonal skills than people with negative emotions. So,
keep a smile on your face to help create stronger, healthier social
bonds.
5. Stronger Immune Function
Believe it or not, laughter (which often begins with a smile) appears
to help boost your body’s immune system. Mayo Clinic reports that
laughter and positive thoughts release signaling molecules in your brain
that fight stress and illnesses, while negative thoughts decrease your body’s immunity. One 2015 study
found that laughter therapy increases immune responses in women who
have just had babies. So, maybe laughter really is the best medicine.
6. Pain Relief
Pain relief might be the last thing you’d associate with smiling and
laughter, but there are, indeed, links. Mayo Clinic reports that
laughter causes your body to release its own natural painkillers. And a 2012 study
found that social laughter increases your pain threshold, creating a
higher pain tolerance. So, if you’re in pain due to an injury, illness
or chronic disease, watch a funny movie, attend a comedy show or hang out with friends and family who make you smile.
7. Longer Life
It turns out that the fountain of youth might be right under your nose. A 2010 study found that smiling and positive emotions are associated with increased life spans. Talk about a reason to smile!
Bottom Line
Smiling and laughter are beneficial for your mind, body and overall
well-being. Even if you’re feeling blue, crack a smile and reap the
numerous health benefits of smiling.
source: benefitsbridge.unitedconcordia.com
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