Smile. Laugh. Be Joyful.
Did you ever wonder why people go parties? I think it is to relax, smile, laugh, be entertained, and simply not have to think about anything else. Generally, at parties, people go to have fun. They are freer and tend to let down their false personas. But do we have to go to a party to experience that effervescence? Why not find something every day for which to smile. Children do this naturally living in wonder and awe. It turns out that scientific studies show that regular practices of smiling, laughing, and being joyful are good for our health.
These inspiring words from the Dalai Lama are just a start:
A simple smile. That’s the start of opening your heart and being compassionate to others.”
There many reasons to smile, but I’ll just focus on five benefits for this post.
Ripple Effect: Have you ever noticed how contagious smiling can be? You walk into a room where people are talking their traumas and then someone shows up with a a baby picture and the entire conversation shifts to a higher frequency. The happy story pivots everything to a different level. Its as if the whole room brightens. It turns out that the expression of the face with the edges of the lips turned upward releases little hormones in the brain that make you happy.
Affects Blood Pressure: We all know that stress raises blood pressure. Apparently smiling, lowers blood pressure by promoting healthy circulation and the uptake of breath from a good laugh “increases oxygen and supports heart health.”
Eases Pain: Another insight is that smiling and laughter reduce pain, both physical and emotional. The way that happens is that relaxing those facial muscles by smiling releases endorphins which are receptors in the brain that takes your mind off what is ailing you, temporarily. And sometimes that is just enough to get you through a rough spot. Have you heard of Dr. Patch Adams, an American physician who inspired others running around with a red circle on his nose? Here’s one of his insights on the power of laughter, “People crave laughter as if it were an amino acid.” Let’s face it you can’t frown and smile at the same time. Go ahead, try it!
Immune Booster: While I don’t understand all the data validating that laughing and smiling supports the immune system, it is worth noting that studies show that “a combination of smiling, laughing, and positive thoughts trigger the brain to release neuroreceptors that fight off illness.” That in itself would be enough to keep me smiling for awhile.
Facilitates Healthy Relationships: This benefit may be the most important as we need others to grow and live together harmoniously. This refers back to the first benefit that smiling people are contagious and attract others just like them. Who doesn’t want to be around happy people, not that we can maintain that state all the time, but life is certainly more enjoyable around folks who are light-hearted and cheerful.
And besides, when you smile you are beautiful. If you are not excited about wanting to smile every chance you get, I’ve added this clip by Bobby McFerrin. Snap your fingers, pat your legs, clap your hands, get up and dance, and SMILE!
Bobby McFerrin - Don't Worry Be Happy (Official Music Video)
https://www.youtube.com
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