Smiling naturally is a compelling way to connect with people and can positively impact our feelings.
A smile can change someone’s day. A few kind words can impact a person’s whole life. Sadness can be conquered, and happiness and kindness are everything. Some might have always been pleased and peppy people, but they also know that sometimes it can be tough to be happy. Some went through a period in life where numerous difficulties kept occurring, and it created this strenuous atmosphere where you felt like you could not be satisfied or put a smile on your face when you crawled out of bed in the morning. You felt as if everything was hopeless and did not see a point in trying to be happy.
And maybe you came across a person who smiles all the time, in good times and the wrong, despite the weather and the moods around them. Smiling all day is a more complex task, but it is possible, too.
Read on for some of the tricks and tips to turn your frown upside down for the whole day.
1. Consider the benefits smiling could give you. Whether you call it a grin, smirk, beam, or smile, there is no denying the feel-good power of this happy facial expression. We are born with the ability to smile, yet we smile less often as we age.
Why is smiling important? Smiling offers a mood boost and helps our bodies release cortisol and endorphins, providing numerous health benefits, including a strengthened immune system, reduced blood pressure, increased endurance, pain, and stress.
Further, studies show that people who smile appear likelier, competent, and courteous. Smilers tend to be more dynamic at work and make more money.
2. Listening to upbeat songs. Nothing boosts the spirits like a good old song. It is genuinely what music is meant to do. Sure, not all tunes are meant to put you in a better disposition – some are intended to piss you off or offer an empathetic voice in times of sorrow. What music does better than any other artistic medium, though, act as a dose of serotonin for the soul? No matter your life’s circumstances, hearing the perfect song at the right time can make everything feel better, at least for that time. And make you smile.
3. Carry a smile or talisman. Take it with you anywhere and have it elsewhere prominent to nudge you to light a smile. It might be a smiling toy on the tip of a key ring or USB stick, a picture in your purse, or a badge that says, “Please ask me to smile.” Choose your lucky smile talisman. You can also get a watch band with a smiley face or draw a smiley face on the back of your hand. These can be great reminders to smile. Another approach is the word trigger. Use these as smile triggers when you hear polite words, such as thank you, please, welcome, or happy to help.
4. Being grateful for what you have. In positive psychology research, gratitude is consistently and strongly associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps humans relish good experiences, feel more positive emotions, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships. Having positive emotions will lead you to a smile!
5. Keeping it up. Smiling daily is a habit that can be achieved with will and practice. The more you try it, the more it becomes second nature, and people who observe you will perceive it as perfectly natural.
Furthermore, the book “Were All Crazy Get Used To It” by Jerold Skolnik highlights the power of having the proper mindset as we journey through life with limitless responsibilities. This highly-motivating book is a practical guide that anyone can use to enjoy life to the fullest instead of drowning in it. From watching our words to believing in ourselves, each of its forty-three chapters has tried-and-true techniques for maintaining a smile rather than a frown.
Just a single smile can relieve a person’s stress, leading to an increased feeling of well-being and a more productive day. By looking for ways to bring a smile to your face each day, you will also seem less stressed to co-workers and friends, letting you make a better conviction on everyone you meet.
The Happy Hammock 