There is much talk on how smiling is good for us, but let’s not be selfish shall we. Smiling also has a big positive impact on those around us at well. The infectious nature of smiling doesn’t just mean you will make others smile back at you when you smile. It is so much more than that. The benefits of smiling are really circular in nature with the positive effects bouncing off you to your co-worker and then being returned to you two-fold.
Here are some ways that smiling affects those around you:
You will make others happier
Did you ever smile at someone who was having a bad day and they then immediately perked up? When you make eye contact and smile at someone you are showing that they matter which gives them a boost of happiness. The best part about it though is that they will then go on and smile at other people spreading the love throughout the day. Many studies have proven that when we look at a smiling face, our brains release endorphins which makes us feel happier and calmer.
You help others be healthier
On top of spreading love and happiness, by making people smile more you are also helping them to lead healthier lives. Inflammation on the cellular level caused by stress has been a known risk factor for cell mutation and diseases like cancer. Think about how you are helping your friends and family live longer, healthier lives by basking in the warmth of your smile. Next time you are in a bad mood, instead of letting everyone around you feel all the negative vibes, intentionally transform your mood by smiling and focusing on the positive. Not only will you feel better but so will all those around you.
Some of the other ways your smile can affect those around you are a little less altruistic.
Your smile can change their perception of you
By flashing your beautiful pearly whites, you are influencing how other people perceive you. Plenty of studies have shown that when you smile, you appear more attractive and confident to other people because the physical act of smiling affects the part of the brain that regulates your emotions. So if you are worried about the impression you will make on a job recruiter or a blind date, then make sure to smile a lot. You will be sure to turn heads in a positive way.
People will trust you better
Studies have also shown that people consider you more trustworthy when you make eye contact with them and smile. Others will naturally respond to your smile. Not only will you lift their spirits you will make them want to smile too, setting off a positive chain reaction. Think about how much easier it will be to connect with important people in your life and wow the bosses at work with a beautiful smile.
The part of your brain responsible for unconscious responses called the cingulate cortex will actually cause you to copy someone else’ facial expressions. So smiles are contagious after all. Even if you try to purposely frown in reaction, you will find it hard to fight back that answering smile. Don’t fight it; embrace it. Why not enjoy the benefits it will sure to bring?
The benefits of smiling are hard to resist. Direct eye contact and a big smile can really make a difference. Not only will you feel better, but you make those around you feel better too. And by reducing stress and inflammation in your body, you are giving yourself a better shot at living a healthier life.
It is amazing how big of an impact your smile can have on your life and the lives of others so it is important no matter what life throws at you to always have a smile on your face. Don’t think of it as pretending to feel happy when you are not. Instead look at it as proactively choosing to feel positive regardless of what is happening around you.
The health of your smile counts
An unhealthy smile unfortunately isn’t going to have the same positive effect than healthy pearly whites will. Make sure you are practicing good oral hygiene and are seeing your dentist for cleanings and checkups on a regular basis. If you find yourself worried about how your smile looks or experience a lot of mouth pain, then it is time to do something about it.
Whether your teeth are not as white as they could be or you have crooked or missing teeth, there are affordable solutions that can help you achieve that beautiful smile you have always wanted. Set up a consultation appointment with a dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry and find out what your options are. From teeth whitening to veneers to braces, there are a lot of options to choose from. Make sure you do your research and talk to a few dentists before deciding on a particular path. Each dentist will go over with you how long each procedure will take and what results you can expect as well as how much it will cost. Make sure you have a definite list of criteria of what you are looking for in a cosmetic dentist or orthodontist.
Just because you may not have been born with a beautiful smile doesn’t mean you are doomed to never reap the benefits of smiling. If you are not comfortable with the condition of your smile right now then do something about it. There are too many good things that come from smiling for you not to make your smile a priority. Be proactive and take care of your smile every day.
Bottom line is that not only can your smile change how people perceive you, it can also affect other people’s health and well-being. Don’t we all deserve a happier, less stressful life? Share your smile with others and you will bring good things not only into your life, but the lives of those around you.
