Smile As If Your Life Depends On It

Smiling is a very vital aspect to your daily life. People don't realize how important smiling is and most take it for granted. A simple smile can brighten the darkest of days. Quote time!!!


"A smile is the light in your window that tells others that there is a caring, sharing person inside." ~Denis Waitely

You never know what other people maybe going through, they maybe smiling on the outside but crying on the inside.

I think as human beings, it is our civic duty to care more than we do. I know that life can get really hard sometimes and it may become difficult to see through the fog of our daily cares ie: family, work, school, bills etc. However, we have to make the extra effort to listen a little harder, hug a little longer and most importantly smile as often as possible. Smiling doesn't only benefit the receiver it also makes you feel good. I know when I am doing my most genuine smile it feels like my heart is smiling too and I stop and think about how much harder other peoples lives are. There are so many people in this world that are less fortunate than others. We can't be so focused on our on world and our own problems that we fail to just be thankful for where we are in life.

When life gives you that swift kick in the butt...and for some it may feel like a black eye and some bruised ribs...it gets like that sometimes lol, but when those days come you have to smile to keep from crying sometimes. Trust me it works. They say that laughter is good for the soul and I truly believe that. On my down days I love to watch comedic movies and sitcoms just to take my mind off of that dark rain cloud that sometimes lingers over my head. As soon as I start smiling and laughing at the funny show or movie, I begin to forget what I was complaining or sad about. Works like a charm : )


Moving right along, according to Mark Stibich, Ph.D.' s article on About.com, they list the top 10 reasons why smiling is so powerful. So, if you don't want to take my word for it, check out what the experts have to say:

1. Smiling Makes Us Attractive

We are drawn to people who smile. There is an attraction factor. We want to know a smiling person and figure out what is so good. Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away -- but a smile draws them in (avoid these smile aging habits to keep your smile looking great).

2. Smiling Changes Our Mood

Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There's a good chance you mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.

3. Smiling Is Contagious

When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them. Smile lots and you will draw people to you.

4. Smiling Relieves Stress

Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you'll be better able to take action.

5. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System

Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent the flu and colds by smiling.

6. Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure

When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference?

7. Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin

Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug.

8. Smiling Lifts the Face and Makes You Look Younger

The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don't go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day -- you'll look younger and feel better.

9. Smiling Makes You Seem Successful

Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and more likely to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.

10. Smiling Helps You Stay Positive

Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It's hard. When we smile our body is sending the rest of us a message that "Life is Good!" Stay away from depression, stress and worry by smiling.

http://longevity.about.com/od/lifelongbeauty/tp/smiling.htm

"Before you put on a frown, make absolutely sure there are no smiles available." ~ Jim Beggs

My ultimate goal is always to Enlighten, to Inspire, and to Encourage my readers. I truly hope that this posting has awakened an A-HA Epiphany Eureka moment within you. Smiling may seem trivial, but as you can see in this Top 10 list it is very powerful.

Challenge: Smile as often as you can. It may feel a little weird if this is a little unusual for you, but as people start to smile back, it will become contagious!

As I always say, Now that you have been Enlightened...go and Enlighten someone else!!




Na'Tasha Nicole