Smiling is contagious!

My senior quote in my year book stated: "If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours."  What's the chance you are not going to get one back?  Smiling is contagious.  A smile is so powerful you can entice a stranger who you know nothing about to send one back to you.  Have you ever been having a really bad day and someone randomly smiles at you and your heart feels a little warm?  It's a positive energy we can send outwardly or take in.  

“It only takes a split second to smile and forget, yet to someone that needed it, it can last a lifetime. We should all smile more often.” ― Steve Maraboli

Bare with me- this blog is full of quotes because they make me smile! AND, they might make you think about smiling more often.

Smiling is a sign of kindness, happiness, approval and amusement.  People who see you smile are attracted to you.  They want to get to know you and spend more time with you because your smile is a positive energy that make others want more.  A very consistent compliment I get from my students while teaching is, "I just love your smile, it make the class so much more enjoyable".  

"Here's to the people who always have a smile on their face and no matter what they're going through, they put others before them."

Did you know that smiling can improve your health?!  Here are a few reasons to smile according to Dr.  Mark Stibich with About.com


Smiling Relieves Stress
Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you'll be better able to take action.

Smiling Boosts Your Immune System
Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent the flu and colds by smiling.

Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure
When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference?

Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin
Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. 
Smiling is a natural drug.

Smiling Lifts the Face and Makes You Look Younger
The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don't go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day -- you'll look younger and feel better.

Now I ask you- don't you want to reduce your stress, boost your immune system and look younger?  And if those aren't reasons enough, how about just helping someone have a nice day?

"Smile, it is the key that fits the lock to everybody's heart."

G