Smile- It can be good for you!

I thought I would take a break from blogging about the annoying things in life and take a minute to step back and smile- apparently a smile is also good for you!

We have all heard of the saying  'Smile and the world smiles with you.'' and 'laughter is the best medicine' but did you know that smiling can actually be good for you? Not only is smiling a good way to make you stand out it can also make your body function better.

I have always been a smiley person and am of the opinion that by simply smiling it can give out positive energy and make others feel better .. Don't get me wrong people can't possibly happy and smiley all the time but when you are happy people are more likely to talk to you and maybe smile back.

Doctors have also discovered that a smile is not only an indication of a persons well-being and feelings it can also help boost the immune system, reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure and enhances peoples perceptions of us. Phycologists have also discovered that when people mimic a smile it can release the feel good chemicals serotonin and dopamine and thus tricking our minds into thinking that it is how we actually feel when deep down we may not feel like smiling at all.

The bottom line is whenever you feel down you should just SMILE. It really can help you to feel better and in turn make other people you encounter feel better to and just in case you are not feeling like smiling today you should know that smiling:

• Makes us attractive. We are drawn to people who smile. It makes us want to approach that person and find out what it is that is making them feel so good. So next time smile more and you too will attract people to you.
• Changes our mood. Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. Theres a good chance that it will help to change the way you feel. Studies have shown that a smile can trick the mind into changing your mood.
• Smiling is contagious- fact, when someone smiles at us it can make us want to smile back. A person who smiles can lighten the mood, brighten a room and change how people feel and make things better.
• Smiling reduces stress and boosts the immune system. Stress can really show in our faces. Smiling can help to prevent us looking tired, worn down and overwhelmed. When you are stressed just put on a smile. Your stress levels should reduce and help you be better prepared to take action. Smiling also boosts the immune system and helps it work better, probably because you are more relaxed. So smile to prevent colds and flu.
• Smiling lowers blood pressure When you smile there is a measurable reduction in blood pressure. So give it a try, if you suffer from High Blood Pressure try to take a reading as normal and then smiling for a few minute s and then see the difference in the readings.
• Smiling releases endorphins- the 'feel good' chemicals. Studies have shown that smiling releases feel good chemicals in the brain such as serotonin and dopamine. Together these can help us to feel good. Smiling is a natural drug.
• Smiling lifts the face and makes us look younger. The muscles we use when we smile lift the face, making a person feel and look younger. Don't go to have a face lift just try simply smiling your way through the day as it can make you look younger and feel better.

There are many benefits to be had from a simple things in life such as smiling and laughing so remember when you are down , don't frown, just smile!

Oh and girls, ditch those designer handbags and expensive shoes as according to an article in yesterdays Daily Mail your smile is your latest fashion accessorry- and it doen't cost a penny!