I get it – life is stressful! Sometimes as women it feels as though life is throwing everything it has at us, all at once. Between financial and career responsibilities, the added stress of social media expectations and personal relationships, there is evidence to suggest that women’s’ mental health is suffering.
With that said, it is increasingly important to find reasons to smile and find the beauty in life. Here are seven reasons why every woman should smile more!
1. Smiling makes you more confident
The saying “fake it until you make it” is true for smiling – the act of smiling, even when you don’t feel confident, changes your brain chemistry. Smiling causes the release of “happy” chemicals like endorphins that rush through your brain and physically improve your mood!
Next time you are too scared to speak up in a meeting, or unsure about whether those statement shoes really look that great on you, or afraid to start a conversation with someone you don’t know – try a bright smile and you’ll feel yourself gaining more confidence almost like magic.
2. Smiling makes you happier
In a similar vein, smiling also increases your happiness. Plastering a huge grin to your face will spark a rush of happiness as a result of the endorphins being released in your brain. Try it right now!
Taking a minute every now and then throughout the day, especially during the stressful times, to smile at yourself in the mirror. You will feel more content and will be more likely to find positive things in your life. A good habit to pair with this would be to take three minutes every day to write down something that made you happy, even something small.
3. Smiling makes you more attractive
Beauty standards are mostly ridiculous and difficult to live up to, but there is one thing consistent about beauty standards across the world- smiling makes you more attractive.
According to a study where people were asked to choose the most attractive face, participants consistently preferred happier faces. A lovely anonymous quote says “I have never seen a smiling face that is not beautiful”. No need to spend lots of money on expensive makeup or designer clothes- just pop on a smile for free!
4. Smiling reduces stress
Today, chronic stress is the most common mental health issue. Stress has a wide range of negative effects on us, including increased risk of heart disease and a weakened immune system. Nasty stuff.
As it turns out, the endorphins your brain releases when you smile don’t just provide a temporary mood boost- they actually work to make your brain and body more resilient! Smiling is associated with an improved immune system and a weaker response to stressful situations, all of which will reduce your daily stress levels.
5. Smiling is a universal language
One of the more tragic side effects of the rapid changes society has undergone in the past few decades is a large increase in loneliness and a decrease in the number of friendships adults have.
If you struggle with meeting new people, a smile is a great way to connect with people on the most basic level. Even babies born blind know how to smile- it is an incredibly important part of being a human and connecting with other people. As the experts at The Facial Paralysis Institute say, smiling is perhaps the most important way we communicate as a species.
6. Smiling makes you seem more trustworthy
In a fast-paced, high stress society full of online deception, it can be hard for people to know who to trust. This can lead to loneliness or less opportunities. Fortunately for everyone, the simple act of smiling can help you seem more trustworthy.
Overall, smiling is a fantastic way to improve your internal health and the way you are perceived by others. It is a fast, easy and free method of having a better day! Hopefully this inspired you to smile more!
