I found myself wondering recently whether smiling could have a positive impact on health. I thought it was exceedingly possible, as I can feel myself relax a bit and feel my stress levels drop slightly even when I smile only at myself and for no particular reason.
Yes! Smiling is good for you. :) (It’s good for other people, too.) It can reduce your blood pressure, heart rate, and help you recover from stress faster. It is also possible that smiling will help you retrain your brain in positive directions.
Does it have to be a genuine smile? (It would be the best thing, wouldn’t it?) Nope! A genuine smile may be best, but a fake smile is the next best thing.
This is not one of those “Smile! You’ll be prettier!” or “Smile! You look too serious.” posts. Those aren’t helpful comments; they’re downright rude and annoying.
This is one of those “When you smile, you do good things for your body!” And now, I think I’ll smile while I meditate. :)
Cheers! Here’s to your health!