Is Smiling Good or Bad For Your Health?

Can smiling too much be bad for your health? Recent findings from the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University of Frankfort claim that "professional smilers" such as flight attendants and sales clerks are in danger of several health issues.  Forced smiling can cause stress, depression and even heart problems.

The constant stress of having to flash your pearly whites at customers can lead to depression, high blood pressure  and contribute to cardiovascular breakdown. Why? When you're forced to smile, you're faking friendliness which puts extra strain and stress on your body.

Yes, at times we smile because we're happy, but on other occassions we use a smile to get something accomplished . . . a refund on an item, asking someone out for a date or requesting someone do a difficult task for us. In some situations, a sweet smile does pay off. 

Babies are definitely on to something when it comes to smiling. When they smile, it triggers positive feelings in other people. You can't resist a happy baby and often smile back.  People don't respond to a frown by frowning back. Rather,  people respond to a smile.

Here are eight good reasons why you should put on a "happy face:"

• Smiling draws people to to us. There's a powerful attraction factor when you smile at somebody.  Frowns, scowls and grimaces repel people, and we give off the message that we're not too friendly.

• Smiling can change a bad mood. The next time you're feeling down and disgruntled, try putting on a smile.  Medical experts say that smiling can trick the body into helping you change a nasty mood.  However, there's a limit to changing our moods by smiling.  You don't want to look phony which will increase your stress level.  Who knows . . . a smile may work to change your sour mood.

• Smiling can be contagious.  A room can completely change its somber atmosphere when someone enters the room smiling.  Teachers are great at this. They walk into a classroom right after lunch knowing the kids would rather still be out on the playground.  A bright disposition by the teacher can often help the students get their minds back to their studies.

• Smiling relieves stress. We wear our stress on our faces more than anywhere else. When you smile, you look less tired, worn down and overwhelmed.  You can actually reduce your stress level by putting on a smile and place yourself in a more positive mood so you can take steps to bring about needed change.

• Smiling boosts your immune system.  Your immune system is more functional when you smile.  You never know how much a smile can be conducive to fighting colds and flus. 

• Smiling can lower your blood pressure. Your blood pressure does lower when you've got a bright look on your face.  If you have a blood pressure monitor at home, test it out. Sit still for a few minutes and take a reading.  Then add a smile to your face for a minute and take another reading. See if you notice a measurable difference.

• Smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers and serotonin. Smiling may save you money on expensive prescription drugs.  No guarantees this will work for everyone, but it's worth the effort to see if you're one of those lucky ones whose mood elevates with a smile.

• Smiling helps you stay more positive.  A smile on your face can change a negative day into one that feels more hopeful. When we smile, our body sends a message to our emotions that "life is not so bad after all."  If you don't believe me, put on a genuine smile on your face and try to think negative, hopeless thoughts.  It's not easy.

John
Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

For more information that will keep you smiling, read my new book Intelligence For Your Life:  Powerful Lessons For Personal Growth.  You can purchase my book at your local bookstore or on line at Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.

Comments

[Freelife International]

Very smiling post. Good to read.