Self Care

Things That Make You Smile

A smile is a facial expression that is typically characterized by the turning up of the corners of the mouth, often accompanied by a brightening of the eyes. It is a universal human expression of happiness, joy, pleasure, amusement, friendliness, or satisfaction. Smiling is also known to have positive psychological effects, as it can improve mood, reduce stress, and create a sense of well-being. Additionally, smiling can communicate social signals, such as interest, approval, or agreement, and is often used to establish rapport or to convey a nonverbal greeting.

Have you ever noticed how a smile can instantly lift your mood? It turns out that there’s a scientific explanation for this phenomenon. When you smile, your brain releases a cocktail of feel-good chemicals, including endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, which can help to boost your mood and create a sense of well-being.

Endorphins are natural painkillers that can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. When you smile, your brain releases endorphins, which can help to alleviate negative emotions and improve your overall mood.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure and reward. When you smile, your brain releases dopamine, which can create a sense of happiness and satisfaction.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is associated with feelings of well-being and happiness. When you smile, your brain releases serotonin, which can help to elevate your mood and reduce feelings of depression.

In addition to these chemical reactions, smiling can also have a positive effect on your physical and social environment. When you smile, you are more likely to be perceived as friendly, approachable, and trustworthy, which can help to build positive relationships and improve your social support network.

So if you’re feeling down, try turning up the corners of your mouth and see if it makes a difference. Not only can smiling make you feel happier, but it can also have a positive impact on those around you.

Smiling is often associated with positive emotions and happiness, but did you know that it also has a number of important benefits for your mental and physical health? Here are just a few reasons why it’s important to smile:

  1. Smiling can boost your mood: When you smile, your brain releases endorphins, which are chemicals that can help to improve your mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
  2. Smiling can improve your relationships: When you smile, you are more likely to be seen as approachable and friendly. This can help to build trust and establish positive relationships with others.
  3. Smiling can improve your immune system: Studies have shown that people who smile more often tend to have stronger immune systems, which can help to ward off illness and disease.
  4. Smiling can reduce pain: The endorphins released when you smile can also act as natural painkillers, helping to reduce feelings of discomfort.
  5. Smiling can make you look younger: When you smile, the muscles in your facelift, make you look more youthful and attractive.

Things that make me smile are:

The color lavender, – it’s so calming and serene to me.

Happy mail – yes I love getting packages I’ve ordered or a read has ordered for me. 

Doggo Snuggles – Yamper is my best (fur)friend and I love his snuggles, especially when I’m having a bad day, sick, or I’m just in a mood. 

Working on these blogs – I currently have 3 blogs that I write on, which keeps me pretty busy (I do that on purpose – there’s a lot going on in life right now and I need a distraction).

Family – Seeing my family happy fills my heart. Every Sunday we have dinner aunt my aunts and everyone brings a dish, we end up with about 15 people from the family there, and there’s always plenty of leftovers. To sit in the huge chair to observe everyone having a great time and enjoying them makes me so happy. 

My Grandaddy – This man is almost 94 years old, he drivers wherever he wants, does whatever he wants, and even travels out of state! (like to go to GA for peaches – without telling anyone!). He’s my role model, we’ve always been tight and still are although life got in the way of how close we used to be. I still love and honor him as a role model. 

Being outdoors – I love to smell the fresh air. I also love the incline of hikes, the salty air at the beach, and a nice view from a mountain top.

Overall, there are many benefits to smiling, both for yourself and for those around you. So go ahead and show off those pearly whites – it just might make your day a little bit brighter!

What are a few things that make you happy?

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Carolyn M
21 days ago

I too love time with the doggos and especially hikes with them. Watching their reckless abandon as they explore the forest is so soothing, and the forest weaves its magic on me too.. the peace found there is magical.

Jasmine
21 days ago

Great post! I have heard on and off that smiling is one of the best ways to improve the moment, which is a fun DBT skill. Also as a therapist I use the half smile because of the exact reasons you mentioned. Keep smiling!

Lisa
21 days ago

I really love this post, it made me smile lol 😉 I didn’t realize how powerful a smile is and the chemicals it releases in our brain, thanks for educating us on that! Keep up the positive work you are doing!!

Lisa
20 days ago

Hey Elise, I love to write on my blog too. I use it to “escape” from my routine. 😃 it’s a great tool to feel happy (and to network with fellow bloggers too!)

Unwanted Life
20 days ago

Smiling do have a mood changing effect on me, but not if I’m taking it. They have to be genuine causes for me to smile or laugh. I know there’s lots of advice about how you can get the positive effects from faking it, but that doesn’t work for me. As for what causes me to smile, it’s hard to say. But being silly is one of them

Karalee
19 days ago

That’s impressive you have 3 blogs and they you make you happy! Like you, a few things that make me happy are my family and being outdoors! 

Charity
Charity
18 days ago

Love all these good reasons to smile! Thanks so much for sharing!

vidya
16 days ago

A smile definitely helps, and that is what i keep telling my kids as well.. Some of the things that make me smile are my family, the color yellow, and both reading and writing..

Dipak Singh
15 days ago

Every time when when I saw a pup and play with them it make me smile.
Also, I loves nature, butterflies, and birds, they are best healing things when you feel low.

Lydiah
15 days ago

When my family is happy and in good health. It makes me smile and forgets all the stress.

Tan Kok Leong
15 days ago

Great post! It’s always important to find joy in the little things and appreciate the moments that make us smile. Thank you for sharing this positive content!

Nyxie
12 days ago

You got me right in the soul with your grand-dad! I miss mine both so much, and it’s only when you sit down to think about it that you realise just how much they meant to you.

This was a beautiful post through and through! I really need to smile more!

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