Celebrate National Smile Week

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As the saying goes, you’re never fully dressed without a smile. So put yours on to celebrate National Smile Week and enjoy these fun facts to make you… smile!

Fake It ‘Til You Make It

We usually smile when we feel good and are enjoying ourselves but did you know that a smile can encourage that feeling? Whether the smile is genuine or not, our bodies release endorphins, those hormones that promote positive feelings, relieve stress and overall elevate your mood. True smiles also help support your immune system by lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your system.

What the World Needs Now

On the whole, Americans smile… a lot. But no matter where you travel in the world, everyone knows a smile when they see one. It’s the universal symbol of happiness. Although other standard gestures can sometimes have different meanings in different cultures, a smile is understood worldwide as a symbol of openness and happiness.

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Share a Smile

Smiling is contagious and it’s one thing most of us wouldn’t mind catching! In a Swedish study, participants viewed pictures of faces showing several emotions such as joy, fear and surprise. When they were asked to frown when shown pictures of people smiling, it took a conscious effort to not smile. Neurons in our brain synchronize our features to mirror those we are relating with to help us stay in sync with one another.

Baby Smiles

We’re born knowing how to smile. Babies smile as a reflex in their sleep from birth but don’t truly begin to share “social” smiles in reaction to recognizing faces or when awake until they are around four to six weeks old.

Turn that Frown Upside Down

It’s true, it takes more muscles to smile than frown. But don’t let that fact bring you down. As we’ve worked out those “smile” muscles more, it’s easier to smile than frown.

So share a smile with someone this week and know you’re doing your body good!

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