A smile is the most beautiful and priceless gift that human-beings are blessed with. While in the language of the environment — trees, flowers and fruits — may also have emotions, they sadly don’t have the ability to express it. In fact, animals, birds, and creatures, too, don’t have this precious gift.
We humans are extremely fortunate to have been endowed with emotions, sentiments, and feelings, and, most importantly, the ability to express it all. A smile can literally change the energy and environment of a space. When someone says something nice to you, or does something good for you, the first and foremost way of expressing your heartfelt gratitude towards that person would be to smile at him/her.
What is the one expression that is the highest on the ladder of consciousness? Here’s a clue. It is the one expression that is synonymous with happiness, joyful moments, and, most importantly, being at peace with ourself and others. Yes, you guessed it right! This subtle expression is none other than your big and bright SMILE!
A smile is an external expression of our inner state of mind and wellbeing. One has to be blessed to be seen smiling from the heart, and to continue being in that joyful state. In fact, a smile is not just limited to being a physical manifestation of being happy. The science of biochemistry, bioelectricity, and lots more is associated with it. It adds a fragrance to our physiology and our state of being begins to blossom.
Here are a few scientific and physiological reasons on how a smile can improve our wellness:
It is contagious and has a beautiful ripple effect.
It boosts the immune system. Believe it or not, cracking a joke and living a life that is filled with humour can raise the level of immune cells and boost infection-fighting antibodies in our system.
It may help lower blood pressure and also reduce the risk of heart-related ailments.
It helps us to stay optimistic.
The simple act of having a smile on your face activates neural massaging, which enhances our brain’s health. When we smile, our brain releases neuropeptides, which drive away stress. This is a creative brain cleansing. Our brain also releases “happy hormones” such as dopamine, oxytocin, endorphins, and serotonin.
Endorphins also work as natural painkillers, which help in improving our perception and
conditioning of pain. On the other hand, serotonin improves our mood. These are feel-good
neurotransmitters that create a dance of hormones, which is literally like a party in our brain — elevating our mood, alleviating stress, and relaxing our entire being.
We flex certain muscles of our face when we smile. This movement sends a message to our brain that we are smiling, which, in turn, initiates the release of endorphins, which helps us to feel light and happy. This is known as the facial feedback hypothesis - a theory that states that our facial expressions don’t only communicate how we feel towards others, but also how we feel towards ourself. During this process, our whole being gets the knowledge and an experience of happy moments.
Some suggested aphorisms for a strong recall to motivate and celebrate:
One smile can sometimes reduce a hundred miles
Your smile can light up somebody's entire day
Make smiling the new lol – light of life?
Wake up smiling...and go to sleep smiling.
Nile made way when Moses smiled.
An uphill task becomes a child’s play with a smile.
Smile towards life and it will fly by like a breeze.
Smile towards all...smile to grow tall.
A smile transforms acrimony into harmony.
Dissolve your difficulties just with a smile.
A smile is a curve that sets everything straight. So, smile and laugh away to feel energized! And, let your Life get Mickeymized!