Last Updated on February 17, 2023 by Lori Geurin
Are you a smiley person? If so, you may be aware that there are some crazy impressive health benefits of smiling. Also, have you ever noticed how many quotes there are about smiling? Take these for example.
- Be the reason someone smiles today.
- Keep smiling. It makes people wonder what you’re up to.
- Nothing beats a great smile.
- A smile is the best makeup any girl can wear.
- A smile is the curve that sets everything straight.
- Let your smile change the world but do not let the world change your smile.
- There is always a reason to smile. Find it.
- If you see a friend without a smile give him one of yours.
- Why be moody when you can shake yo booty? (oh, wait that’s for another article)
As you can probably see from these smile quotes, many of us at least think about smiling.
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Facts About Smiling and Ginger Speak Is An Actual Thing
One wintery day, several years back, our two middle kiddos, Cooper and Maddie, lost their teeth at school the same day. The school nurse gave them a little plastic tooth necklace to bring their teeth home in and place them under their pillow for the Tooth Fairy.
Do you know how twins have their own language – cryptophasia? Well, I’ve often said these two speak their own middle child language. They have such a rapport with each other. And they’ll say things to each other no one else seems to understand. Then they’ll burst out laughing.
Honestly, it’s a little unnerving and funny at the same time. You’re thinking, are they laughing at me? And, yes, yes they probably are.
I’m pretty sure it has something to do with the red hair.
The key is to act like you’re in control of the situation at all times – even if you’re not sure. I think.
I mean, does any parent ever know for sure?!
Anyway, I’ll never forget those giant toothy (yet, partially toothless) grins, the turtlenecks they were wearing because it was so cold that day and the tooth necklaces around their necks. #MomMoments
Now get ready for a profound thought…
Smiling and laughing come naturally to children, but as we get older do we get more serious? Or do we still remember how to laugh with the reckless abandon of a child?
Even though adult life has many changes with bills to pay, bosses to please and families to support don’t forget…you’re only as old as you feel. Smiling every day is not only acceptable, but it might be just what the doctor ordered!
Check out the 13 Health Benefits Of Turmeric Curcumin And Black Pepper for more healthy content.
6 Unexpected Benefits Of Smiling
1. Reduces Stress And Anxiety
When you smile the pituitary gland releases chemical endorphins throughout the body. These neurotransmitters naturally lower our stress and cause us to feel happier…and who doesn’t love that?!
Related: 5 Simple Ways To Relieve Stress And Relax
2. Stimulates The Immune System
Smiling causes your body to make white blood cells that fight off illness. A 2015 study showed laughter therapy boosted the immune response in women who had just given birth to babies. (1)
RELATED: 50 Fun Facts About Yourself
3. Makes You Appear More Approachable
Smiling makes you more confidant and attractive to others.
A smile is warm and welcoming and shows other people you’re open to interacting with them.
4. Increases Longevity
A 2010 study found that positive emotions, such as smiling are directly linked to an increased life span. (2)
Related: Top 10 Habits To Help You Live Longer: Boost Longevity
5. Improves Your Mood
When you’re feeling down in the dumps, try smiling because it’s been shown to enhance your mental health. Findings of a 2010 study reported that when you make yourself smile when you’re feeling sad emotions it improves your state of mind and helps you see life more positively. (3)
So, as much as we hate to admit it, maybe there’s something to that ‘fake it till you make it’.
Related: 20 Natural Ways To Boost Your Mood
6. Improves Relationships
People who smile a lot are often likable, and this can have a positive influence on your relationships.
In fact, positive emotions are associated with more successful interactions and overall happiness in marriage.
Related: Communication 8 Ways To Improve Your Communication Skills
Summary – Benefits of Smiling and Laughing
Whether young or old, the benefits of smiling for your health and relationships are too many to count.
The simple act of putting a smile on your face can boost your mood and positively transform your day. People will find you even more likable when you show off those pearly whites and dazzle them with that amazing smile!
What benefits have you noticed from smiling? Do you have any funny stories to tell?
Please share in the comments below – I love hearing from you, friends!
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I have a 14-year-old who is now self-conscious about her smile because she needs braces, but I keep encouraging her for the reasons you mentioned. My favorite is that smiles are contagious!!!
Great job for encouraging her, Toni! I remember those days ofhaving retainers and braces. All four of our kids have had them too (probably thanks to their mom’s gene’s).
I feel like smiling helps with so many things. It definitely makes a person less stressful too. I love how a little thing can do so much.
Isn’t it funny how sometimes the simplest things are some of the best? I love that, Brittany.
We laugh/smile a LOT in our home. It just makes you feel better!
That’s awesome (and so true), Kelly!
Your are right! Sometimes I just watch funny fail videos when I’m in a bad mood and ta-dah, bad mood is gone. Just smiling already has a similar effect. To the power of smiles 🙂
I second that, Nadine, “to the power of smiles!”
I have always known a smile could go a long way. I just didn’t realize how beneficial it was for the health! 🙂
It’s so true that smiling can have a big impact on yourself and others! I didn’t realize it either until I started digging deeper and found all this cool research about smiling.
Smiling is so important for your own health and really sets a great tone for everyone around you!
I could not agree with you more, Heather!
Smiling is something that I try to do often. Glad to know that it has so many benefits.
I love being around people who smile a lot…it’s contagious! I’m sure you improve many people’s lives with your smile, Krystle.
Really? I had never heard it can stimulate the immune system. I’d be interested to read the scientific evidence of that. I bet it’s fascinating!
Amazing, right?! They found a significant difference between the postpartum women who took part in laughter therapy for 60 minutes a session, twice weekly for two weeks and those who did not. Thanks for your comment, Cat!
Smiling makes a difference, even when how your day goes. It definitely pushes you to be more positive about things! These are awesome reasons to smile!
That’s so true, AnnMarie! The simple act of smiling can trick your brain into feeling positive thoughts which lead to positive actions.
I didn’t know that smiling was studied to improve lifespan. Of course I know that happiness does, but I didn’t know about smiling in isolation of other things. How interesting!
This was surprising to me too, Erica! Apparently the study looked smile intensity in childhood and yearbook photos. The researchers found a direct correlation between smile intensity and future stability in marriage and life satisfaction, all factors they determined improved lifespan.
I used to smile at my parents (as a school principal) every morning just to diffuse whatever situation was coming my way and it usually worked.
Terri, What a great example of how smiling makes you more approachable! By the way, my husband is a High School Principal. 🙂
I wouldn’t have guessed that smiling would effect many of these! I love that something as simple as a smile can do so much for a person.
Hey there Stephanie, I agree! Smiles are free and such a simple way to brighten up someone else’s day. Plus, when you consider the personal benefits it’s a no brainer. 🙂
This is great! I love smiling and even seeing my kids smile. Just makes you feel good and happy for a good day ahead.
Thank you, Jeanine! I agree completely!
Reading these have reminded me how you can benefit from these health wise.
I’m so glad, Jalisa!
A couple of those I had heard of, but most I hadn’t. Great reasons to smile! 🙂
I hear you, Joanna. When I began researching the benefits of smiling I was surprised with some things I found. I’ve always thought of smiling as something we do organically. I was pretty pumped to learn about all these benefits! (I’m a little nerdy when it comes to research.) 😉
I had no idea that it could stimulate my immune system!! WOW. That is a really sweet benefit!
Isn’t it great, Robin? And who would have thought something as simple as smiling would activate the immune system?