Smiling is the way people express happiness and share the joy with others. While people know that a smile makes them feel good, they may not realize that smiling offers real health benefits.
Smiling Strengthens the Immune System
It is thought that when you smile, immune function improves because you are more relaxed, thanks to the release of certain neurotransmitters. While depression weakens the immune system, happiness boosts the body’s resistance.
Smiling Boosts Heart Health
Lower blood pressure and a lower heart rate are both benefits people can experience when they smile.
One of the best reasons to smile might be that it could make you live longer. In a 2010 study, it was found that genuine, intense smiling is linked to longer life expectancy.
While there’s more research to be done, there is some evidence to suggest maintaining a positive mood could contribute to living a longer and healthier life. Thus indicating happiness could extend life for many years.
Smiling makes people appear younger, according to researchers. Study participants underestimated the ages of people who smiled or weren’t smiling when shown photos.
In addition, 63 percent of people believe smiling in photographs improves an individual’s appearance.
Feeling down? Try putting a smile on next time. It’s likely your mood will improve. Smiles physically activate pathways in the brain that influence your emotional state. So just by smiling, you can trick your mind into feeling happy — regardless of whether it’s real or not. Sounds crazy but try it.
Make your appointment today with Dr. Rob Andrew and Urban Smiles Family Dental. 780.989.6030
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