Smile and the world smiles with you

Smile and the world smiles with you

In the final scene of Modern Times Charlie and the gamine set off down the road to a new life.

When they get up off the grass verge to go, he pauses and points to the corners of his mouth, indicating that she should smile.

The film soundtrack is only instrumental, but the Turner and Parsons lyrics inspire one to smile:

Smile

Smile, though your heart is aching
Smile, even though it’s breaking
When there are clouds in the sky
you’ll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shining through
for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness Although a tear may be ever so near
That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile what’s the use of crying
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you’ll just Smile

The song by Nat King Cole always makes me smile, and I am sure there are many songs that bring a smile to you.

There are also other good reasons to smile, here are some:

#1 Smiling releases endorphins. These endorphins relieve stress and help you feel better.

#2 Smiling is known as an expression of happiness and acceptance across all cultures.

#3 Smiling is contagious. A Swedish study found that people had trouble frowning when they looked at other people who were smiling. Their muscles twitched into smiling on their own!

#4 Babies start smiling in their sleep as soon as they’re born. Smiling is something that comes naturally and isn’t learned.

#5 Smiling can reduce your blood pressure. Researchers found that when subjects smiled continuously for a minute, their blood pressure decreased.

#6 There are 19 types of smiles expressing different emotions. From heart-felt smiles to polite smiles, we can express ourselves in 19 different ways just by smiling.

There are some Health Benefits of Smiling:

You’ll live longer. Those who smile more genuinely live a whopping 7 years longer on average than those who don’t! A study at Michigan University of 230 baseball players showed that those who smiled widest and most genuinely on their baseball cards lived 79.9 years on average, compared to those who didn’t smile, only living an average of 72.9. That’s a whopping 7 year difference!      

Helps to reduce pain. People with bigger, genuine smiles display a higher pain tolerance than those who regularly frown. A study in 2008 suggested that those who smiled when heat was applied to their arms displayed a higher pain tolerance than those who frowned, or maintained a neutral expression.

You’ll be more successful. People who naturally express more genuine smiles have been known to lead happier, more successful lives – both domestically and professionally. A study at the University of California of 111 women showed that the 52% who naturally expressed genuine, Duchenne smiles in photographs were more likely to be contented and successful in life. A genuine smile also increases your chances of finding love as 58% of men and 71% of women said a smile is the most desirable feature in their ideal partner.

You’ll be happier. Smiling releases neuropeptides, helping to fight depression and stress. Smiling activates the release of neuropeptides, including dopamine, endorphins and serotonin. These work towards fighting off the negative effects of stress and depression, relaxing your body and lowering your blood pressure.

Your immune system will be stronger. Smiling has proven to improve your immune system by increasing your body’s production of HGH, the growth hormone most responsible for a strong immune system response, by 87%. This results in lower stress and inflammatory reaction, an increase in “good” cholesterol levels, ultimately reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease associated with diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

It will reduce physical causes of stress. Smiling has been shown to reduce the main stress hormones, including cortisol, epinephrine and dopac.

Smiling protects against cancer. Keeping a regular grin on your face naturally enhances the effect of immune cells and antibodies which are important in cancer defense.

Even forced smiles reduce stress! People who sported fake smiles have been shown to enjoy reduced stress levels, more positive emotions and less pain – even more so than fake smiles! A University of Kansas study showed that smiles induced with chopsticks (ouch!) reduced stress, negative emotions, and pain – but the real Duchenne smiles reduced these even more!

So, now that you know the physical and mental health benefits of smiling, what are you waiting for? More people smiling will make the world a far better place, and remember: 

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” Thích Nhất Hạnh

Did you know any or all of these facts? Well if you did, smile, if you did not, now you can be prepared Smile Power Day, which is the perfect excuse to shine your pearly whites and show off those dimples. Smile Power Day is on June 15th