Several studies have proven that smiling is linked to our well-being, may it be spiritual, emotional, and physical. To delve further, here are some of the things that you may not know about your smiles:
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Laughter keeps us alive.
Smiling, from a scientific outlook, has been confirmed to provide us with a purpose as to how we live our lives. Smiles function as a communication prompt, thereby fostering connections with other people, which in turn helps us through with our daily lives.
It is, after all, the most natural way of conveying what we think and feel—whether we hear a funny story, greeting a new acquaintance, or meeting a loved one after not being with them for a long time. It is a no brainer to state that emotional statements are stronger than words. Picture this scenario at work, someone who is perceived as outgoing and friendly with a smile on his/her face will be easily appreciated.
Yet, anthropologists state that despite having some positive implications, smiling does not mean the same across various cultures as they may have varying perspectives on humor. Hence, one should be cautious in using this in using this nonverbal action during communication; as Victor Hugo once said, “Caution is the eldest child of wisdom.”
Smile serves as a driving force in relationships.
Laughing often is considered one of the secrets to a fulfilling, long-term relationship. Research has shown that the release of endorphins, popularly known as the “happy hormone”, help people feel incredibly better about our lives in general. While sharing things with your loved ones cultivate stronger bonds, sharing a laughter or two is one of the most effective ways to keep relationships going.
At the University of California – Berkeley, a survey was conducted with the participation of more than 150 couples, where it was found that a smile from one partner helps situations to calm down during conflicts. In fact, laughter helps partners communicate more easily and puts aside negative emotions, simplifying the process of finding solutions to conflicts.
Your immune system is positively affected when you laugh.
Laughter is like tonic as it helps one person maintain and protect their health. When a person laughs, the amount of white blood cells increases, which help prevent foreign bodies from invading your body and protect you from diseases. Academics have also proven that the effect of laughter is likened to taking multivitamins, especially that it helps stimulate the body, relieve negative emotions, and reduce stress hormone levels—thereby keeping one’s body healthy.
Spread smiles.
Admit it, when someone smiles, you automatically smile too. It’s not magic, but a fact as per psychology. Scholars found that imitating other people’s facial expressions generates empathy; in other words, whatever the emotion is conveyed by someone can also affect us to feel the same too. You laugh, and I laugh—simple as that.
Additionally, physiologically speaking, the reason why laughter is contagious is how it sounds in varied ways. The sound of laughter activates the frontal cortex, involved in moving facial muscles, in response to the received sound signal. This is also why comedy movies incorporates laughter sound effects to stimulate these facets from a person. Compared to when we are alone, it’s easier to smile or laugh when we are with others. The more we smile or laugh, the happier it will make us feel.
Modern life’s pressures and problems have a way of making us less “generous” with our smiles. Still, let’s smile more often because doing so brings joy to our lives, emotionally and spiritually.
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