9 Reasons to Smile More

You might feel understandably irritated if a stranger commands you to smile. However, you should consider letting those lips curl toward heaven more often. Doing so could benefit your mental and physical health. 

You can sometimes trick your mind into believing your physical movements, but that isn’t the only reason to grin. Here are nine reasons to smile more — give it a try and watch your outlook improve. 

1. New Treatments Make It Easier

Dentistry has come a long way since the ancient Mexicans made dentures out of wolf teeth back in 2500 BC. You have multiple options for improving your smile and correcting crooked, discolored and broken teeth. 

If you lose a tooth due to an accident or wear, you have more options for replacement than ever. Your dental technician will create a dental impression to provide a precise model of the size, shape and position of your teeth and gums. Regardless of whether you opt for dentures or implants, you’ll enjoy a more natural look and comfortable fit. 

2. You’ll Boost Your Mood

Are you in a blue mood? Even if you don’t feel like it, try giving a little smile. You might surprise yourself by feeling better before you know it. 

Smiling prompts your brain to release molecules called neuropeptides that help you fight off stress. These particles spur the release of positive neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. You can look at smiling as a natural antidepressant. 

3. You’ll Ease Anxiety

Are you feeling tense? One way that many people manifest excess stress is by clenching their jaw. In severe cases, bruxism or tooth grinding can lead to breakage and loss. Along the way, it can give you a nasty headache. 

It’s impossible to smile through clenched teeth without it looking and feeling like a grimace. When you let your face relax in a natural grin, you unclench those molars. 

4. You’ll Lower Your Cortisol Levels

Cortisol is a pesky stress hormone that can make you pad on unwanted pounds. It takes over when adrenaline lets off, preparing your body for a prolonged onslaught. It does so by screaming, “eat that third slice of pizza! Heck, have a fourth” when you try to count calories. 

Research shows that when you receive a reward or affiliation smile, your cortisol levels drop. One of the best ways to get one of these grins sent your way is to beam one at someone else. 

5. You’ll Diffuse a Bad Temper

Occasionally getting angry is a part of being human. However, walking around with a scowl earns you a label as a Debbie Downer. 

The next time you find your irritation at rush-hour traffic threatening to boil over into snapping at your partner, try smiling at them instead. You can almost feel your hunched shoulders relax and steam start to fizzle. 

6. You’ll Form New Friendships

Many friendships begin with little more than a smile. Imagine standing in line at the grocery with a tantruming 2-year-old when someone else gives you a sympathetic grin. If they distract your little one, you may have just found your next BFF. 

If you struggle with loneliness, try using the power of a smile to add to your circle. Share some happiness with someone who seems down — you’ll both feel more positive for a few moments if nothing else. 

7. You’ll Appear More Open

If you struggle with networking, minding your facial expressions and smiling more could smooth the connection-making process without you having to say a word. Beaming a grin when someone makes eye contact says, “Hi there. I’m approachable.” 

Try an experiment. The next time you go to the grocery store, try smiling at folks when your eyes accidentally meet. You might surprise yourself with how much more pleasant chit-chat you enjoy with total strangers. 

8. You Could Earn a Promotion

According to speaker and professional development coach Jessi Beyer, showing a smile rather than looking miserable can change the atmosphere of an entire office. Expect your can-do attitude to win the attention of your supervisor. Think about it — who would you rather work with? Someone who radiates positive energy or who mopes about like Eeyore? 

Once you get pegged as someone with a will-do attitude, expect professional accolades to follow. Your willingness to smile even when things get stressful could win you that coveted corner office key. 

9. You’ll Have More Pleasant Dreams

If you suffer from troubled dreams, consider what haunts your mind before you fall asleep. If you toss and turn with worries and cares, no wonder nightmares appear when you finally drift off. 

Try doing something that makes you smile before you tuck yourself into bed. Treat yourself to reading a story or a chapter in an uplifting book, practicing yoga or listening to a guided meditation that will ease you into sleep. 

Smile More for These 9 Reasons

Smiling more can benefit your mental and physical health. It can help you make friends and supercharge your career — so show off those pearlies today.