Smiling Has The Power To Cause Well-being

It seems that smiling has the power to cause well-being. The magic of this gesture not only benefits the person who performs it but also the people in the immediate environment.

However, sometimes it happens that problems, criticism or responsibilities cloud possible joys and plunge us into a state of constant sadness.

It is only in such circumstances that striving to be positive can help us get through a difficult time. Thus, trying to regain good humor is one of the keys to coping with adversity.

In addition, the advantages of an expression such as a smile are multiple. Let’s talk about it in the following sections.

Why does smiling have the power to cause well-being?

If we find ourselves in the position of forcing a smile, it may not be entirely real. It is even probable that, despite our efforts, we will not be able to feel better.

However, if we manage to smile authentically, because we feel and want it that way, we will be surprised by the various benefits that this act brings. The effects will benefit both us and those around us.

Such consequences include more pleasant social interactions or the opportunity to think more creatively and openly. Let’s take a closer look at it.

1. A smile promotes greater receptivity in social contacts

As a study carried out by the Department of Cognitive Psychology of the University of La Laguna (Tenerife) indicates, the human being recognizes facial expressions of joy earlier than those of other emotions.

So smiling has certain repercussions on social interaction. This action projects an image of enthusiasm and fun, inviting others to be more inclined to approach and engage in conversation. For this reason, it is often said that the smile is one of the best ‘weapons of seduction’.

In turn, when outlining this gesture, one feels more optimistic and open, which is something that is also transmitted to the environment. In fact, thanks to the role that mirror neurons play, a person’s laughter can spread to those around them. The brain conquers, copies, imitates, feels and acts.

2. Smiling has the power to provoke well-being by promoting creativity

As one of the investigations of Professor Barbara Fredrickson and her team points out, positive emotions increase the individual’s acting repertoire. That is, they allow the child to contemplate other options and learn different skills to deal with troublesome events.

In this way, the flexibility that accompanies smiles often translates into more creative responses. Thus, if instead of focusing on attacking or fleeing, we turn our attention to laughter and a good mood, we can think differently and come up with new solutions.

3. The consequences also occur at the neurochemical level

Smiling unleashes a chain of neurochemical events associated with feelings of well-being and pleasure. Specifically, endorphins are released, the so-called ‘happiness hormones’. At the same time, with laughter we reduce the levels of cortisol and adrenaline, neurotransmitters that mediate the body’s stress response.

For these reasons, it is not surprising that laughter therapy has become a common strategy in different contexts. Through group workshops, this technique seeks to achieve disinhibition and facilitate the experience of positive emotions in the participants.

Shall we start to smile a little more?

Smiling does not imply that we are not going to go through difficult times. However, you can help us make these experiences more bearable.

This simple gesture is transmitted to the closest environment, generating pleasant interactions between people and amplifying their resources for action.

If we wake up every day looking for the clothes we like the most to wear, why not accompany them with a smile? This will undoubtedly be the accessory that best suits us.