1.
Neurotransmitters called endorphins are released when you smile.
These are triggered
by the movements of the muscles in your face, which is interpreted by your
brain, which in turn releases these chemicals. Endorphins are responsible for
making us feel happy, and they also help lower stress levels. Faking a smile or
laugh works as well as the real thing—the brain doesn’t differentiate between
real or fake as it interprets the positioning of the facial muscles in the same
way. This is known as the facial feedback hypothesis. The more we stimulate our
brain to release this chemical the more often we feel happier and relaxed.
2.
Endorphins make us feel happier and less stressed.
They also act as the
body’s natural pain killers. For sufferers of chronic pain, laughing and
smiling can be very effective in pain management, as can laughing off the pain
when you bump an elbow or fall over.
3. While
the release of endorphins is increased, the stress hormone cortisol is reduced.
Cortisol is more
active when we feel stressed or anxious and contributes to the unpleasant
feelings we experience, and by lowering it we can reduce these negative
feelings.
4.
Laughing expands the lungs, stretches the muscles in the body and stimulates
homeostasis.
This exercises the
body, replenishing the cells from a lungful of oxygen and gaining all the
benefits of exercising the body.
5.
A good laugh can be an effective way to release emotions.
A good laugh can
help you release emotions, especially those emotions that you might bottle up
inside. Everything looks that little bit better after a good laugh and life can
be seen from a more positive perspective. Smiling and laughing have positive socialimplications as well.
6.
Smiling is an attractive expression, which is more likely to draw people to you
rather than push them away.
Smiling makes you
appear more approachable. Interaction with others is easier and more enjoyable
when smiles and laughs are shared, and these behaviours are contagious, making
others feel better too, and make you a more appealing and attractive person to
be around. This in turn will have a positive effect on your well-being.
7.
A happy, positive expression will serve you well in life.
This is particularly
true for challenging situations such as job interviews: a smiling,
relaxed persona indicates confidence and an ability to cope well in stressful
situations. This will also be of benefit in your career, building healthy
relationships with colleagues and being seen in a favourable light by your
employers.
How
to Smile and Laugh More Often tricks:-
There are simple
ways to bring more smiling and laughing into your day:
1:-Smile and laugh regularly. As mentioned, your
brain does not know the difference between a fake or real smile, and by doing
so more often you will feel better, and become more likely to smile and laugh
more spontaneously.
2:-Watch funny films, TV, and theater shows. This
is a excellent way to inject some instant humor into your life. By avoiding
negative programs and news broadcasts, you can also balance make your viewing
more positive and lighthearted, with more opportunity for a chuckle or two.
3:-Spend time with friends and family that make you feel
happy. Surrounding yourself with happy, fun-loving, optimistic people
will bring out your happy side, and their behaviour will rub off on you as you
subconsciously mimic their behavioural patterns.
4:-Find things to smile and laugh about. Once you
start consciously looking at all the things that are funny and uplifting, you
will be more aware of them, in tune with them, and more ready to engage in a
spontaneous smile or laugh.
