The Power of a Simple Smile

Smiling is like a little burst of sunshine. It brightens up your face and puts a sparkle in your eye. It can be a grin from a baby, a warm smile from a stranger, a playful smile from a partner, or a sneaky smile when you are being mischievous. They're all positive and all create good energy.

Everyone understands a smile. It doesn't matter what language you speak or what culture you are from. A smile is a smile no matter where you are or who you are. It's one of the most effective way to show warmth and kindness. And it's extremely powerful!

The other day, I was thinking about just how powerful a smile can be. Or how powerful the lack of one can be. Then I got real deep and wondered why a smile became the set of muscles used to hold such power. Why not a shoulder shrug or twitching your nose? I started researching and was blown away with everything I found so I thought it would be fun to share. And yes, many of the things I found made me smile!

I'll start with some fun facts:

• Smiling uses between 5 and 55 muscles.

• Women smile 10 times more than men every day (not surprised)

• We buy more than 10 million gallons of toothpaste every year to make our smile brighter and keep our teeth healthy

So, where did the smile actually start? I found more than one research paper that said it started with monkeys and apes that would lightly clench their teeth to show predators they were harmless. Then humans adopted this as a form of greeting. Interesting theory.

But back to the power of the smile. Scientists have found that when you smile, your brain releases tiny molecules called neuropeptides to help fight off stress. Then other neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins kick in. The endorphins act as a mild pain reliever, whereas the serotonin is an antidepressant. This means that not only does smiling make us feel good, but it can also encourage us to smile more often. It's addicting. It actually has a physical effect. Who knew?

But what power does it have on others? That's where it really makes a difference.

When we smile at someone, it opens the door for them to engage with us. It welcomes them into our space and lets them know we welcome them. This is a great way to meet new people and make new friends. People want to be around others that are happy and approachable. Someone who is smiling is much more approachable than someone who isn't.

When you smile at someone they will likely smile back. Smiles are contagious and they spread positivity. A smile can turn someone's day around. It can reduce stress and anxiety and puts you in a healthier mindset. I see it all the time. Walking down the street, walking through the grocery store, walking around the office I work in. I've passed people that looked really angry but when I smiled at them, their face lit up with a smile. It makes me feel good every time that happens and hopefully makes the other person feel good.

And of course when I travel. Smiling is really important. If you are in a country where you don't understand the language and they don't understand you, a smile can go a very long way in helping you communicate.

So I'm sending a virtual smile to anyone reading this. I hope you are having a wonderful day!

Love and light,

Ruthie ☮