6 Reasons You Should Smile Everyday

At least once in life, we’ve all heard friends, family, or even strangers, say, “You should smile more.” As annoying as that may feel to hear when you are not be in the brightest of moods, it is scientifically proven that smiling is actually good for us. From mood adjustment to physical changes, intentional smiling can really work wonders. So next time you are feeling down, don’t smile because some stranger tells you to – smile because it is one of the most effective and simple acts of self-care you can literally achieve at any moment. Here are 6 reminders of why you should smile every day.

Smiling can ward off a bad mood
When you are feeling blue, smiling can actually make you feel better. And no, it’s not all a trick of the mind – but it is all in your head. Smiling can spark the release of mood-lifting chemicals in your brain, like serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals make the whole body and mind feel happier.

Smiling reduces stress and anxiety
Several studies show that smiling can keep stress low and your heart rate down, even while doing stressful activities. Smiling lowers stress by triggering the release of neuropeptides, which works to communicate the happy chemicals serotonin and dopamine to the rest of the body.