The Side Effects Of Smiling

You know the expression “just grin and bear it,” right? How about “fake it till you make it?” Well, they’ve now been scientifically proven. Smiling can change your mood and outlook.

And research has shown that smiling even when you aren’t feeling joy tricks the brain into thinking you’re actually happy. It’s a bit easier said than done, but after a few seconds, your mood is guaranteed to perk up.

Researchers have found that facial expressions in general play an important role in helping and reinforcing emotions. One way you can test this is by smiling when you feel stressed or anxious. Smiling naturally releases endorphins. And as we know, endorphins make us happy (any Legally Blonde fans out there?). So, smiling will not only help relieve your stress and anxiety, but also lower your heart rate so you can confidently and gracefully navigate whatever comes your way.

Endorphins also help people approach their work more productively and find more creative ways to solve problems.

What are you waiting for!? Smile.