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
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
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:
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