What is a Smile?

A smile is an amazing thing and begins as an emotional reaction to a situation which registers in a particular part of your brain. Next, the brain tells your facial muscles to move and in particular the muscles in the cheeks which will pull the corners of your lips upwards and the muscles surrounding your eyes will contract, squeezing the outside edges into crow’s feet. The whole event only lasts a few seconds but can have a powerful impact on its recipient. Only certain muscles are able to produce a genuine smile and although other muscles can closely replicate it, the human eye is clever enough to recognise if a smile is genuine.

An Expression of True Happiness

A true smile can reflect personal happiness, enjoyment and well-being and it makes you look more attractive. Even better, a genuine smile is contagious and it has the power to calm negative emotions. The simple act of smiling releases serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps promote feelings of wellbeing and happiness. Even if you don’t feel great, try smiling and see what happens.

A Great Way to Have Better Relationships

Smiling is a vital part of communicating with others and a nice, genuine smile when you meet someone for the first time will tell them you are happy to see them. Smiling also tells them that you are a positive person and someone worth knowing.

Best of all, smiling is free, so why not brighten someone’s day?