Time to SMILE!

Mondays are nothing to smile about!  But, if you need a little more ‘power’ on a Monday…

Mondays can be a frenzy for most of us. Let's explore the science behind smiling and how it can transform your start to the week.

Research has shown that smiling triggers the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins in the brain. These "feel-good" chemicals can lower stress levels, reduce anxiety, and even provide pain relief. Surprisingly, this effect occurs even when we force ourselves to smile.

The Pencil-in-Mouth Study
One famous experiment exploring this phenomenon is the "pencil-in-mouth" study. Participants who held a pen horizontally between their teeth, forcing their facial muscles into a smile-like position, rated cartoons as funnier compared to those who held the pen vertically with their lips, inhibiting smiling.

Authentic vs. Forced Smiles
Not all smiles are created equal. A genuine smile, known as the Duchenne smile, involves both the mouth and eyes. Authentic smiles activate two specific muscle groups:
The zygomaticus major muscle, which lifts the corners of the mouth
The orbicularis oculi muscle, which surrounds the eyes

The key to distinguishing a genuine smile lies in the periocular muscle, located under the eye. This muscle only contracts during a true, heartfelt smile. Look out for those characteristic "crow's feet" wrinkles at the corners of the eyes.

Smile NOW…for

• Stress Reduction: Lowers heart rate and blood pressure during stressful situations
• Mood Enhancement: Tricks your brain into feeling happier
• Social Connection: Fosters positive social interactions
• Pain Relief: Releases endorphins that act as natural painkillers

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Habits to Harness. I try and…

• Start my day with a smile: Smiling at myself in the mirror each morning.
• Practice mindfulness: I stop and pay attention to moments of joy (even 5 seconds) throughout my day.
• Smile during stress: When I am facing a challenging situation.. I put on a smile (sorry I needed to be vulnerable and admit this) … I look at many ways / options and technqiues to reduce my stress levels.

A smile is a simple yet powerful tool that can positively impact both our own well-being and importantly the well-being of those around you.

EMOTIONS ARE CONTAGIOUS.

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