Smile or Else!

I'll admit I'm a pretty intense person sometimes. I can get focused and it seems like I'm in a bad mood because I'm not smiling. Lately I've been trying to change that, (no I'm still intense), I'm just trying to be more mindful of my surroundings and people around me. I'm trying to smile more. Don't laugh too hard because i really believe if everyone would try this our world might be a nicer place to live.


Have you ever noticed that when strangers smile at you it's disarming? When an authority figures smile at us, (like a cop or teacher),it tones down the fear or insecurity many of us have?

I want you to try a little experiment this week. Try smiling more at people. Start small, --try smiling more at your friends, children, or spouse. Sure, they may suspect something fishy is going on at first but keep practicing it and see what happens, you maybe surprised. And just in case you need a little more encouragement, below are some good reasons to smile a little bit more.

1. Smiling Makes You Attractive. We are drawn to people who smile. There is an attraction factor. We want to know a smiling person and figure out what is so good. Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away -- but a smile draws them in.

2. Smiling Changes Your Mood. Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There's a good chance you mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Can you think of any other good reasons to smile more?