Surprising Reasons Why You Should Smile More

by | Mar 23, 2016 | Dental Clinic Blog, Oral Health, Roseman Dental - NV

Unless something particularly funny or enjoyable is going on, you may not be inclined to smile that often. Plenty of research has been done in the area, and it turns out there are numerous benefits to smiling more frequently. If you find that you frown or have a neutral expression fairly often, then you may want to think about showing off your pearly whites on a regular basis.

Smiling Reduces Anxiety and Stress

If you are feeling stressed out, you may not feel like smiling so much. However, studies have found that individuals who smile when they are going through troublesome times had lower heart rates. The smile may be fake, but it comes with real results.

Smiling Helps You be Seen as More Trustworthy and Personable

Anyone looking to make strides in their careers should consider smiling at the office. People are more likely to engage with individuals who are smiling compared to people who always look stern. Additionally, smiling enhances your credibility so if you need people to trust and like you, smiling could be the ticket.

Smiling Releases Endorphins

Endorphins are chemicals released within your brain that make you happy. They are released when you engage in an activity you enjoy, and it has been found that smiling releases the same chemicals. You can boost your mood simply by exercising those facial muscles.

Smiling is Contagious

You probably already know that yawning is contagious. When you see someone else yawn, you are likely to do it yourself. The same principle applies to smiling. When you smile, other people around you are more inclined to smile. Everyone enjoys a release of endorphins, and everyone feels a little less stressed out.

You do not have to watch your favorite sitcom to crack a smile. Try doing it when you are sitting at your desk or driving in traffic. If you train yourself to smile more, then you will do it without even being conscious of the effort. 

World Smile Day – The Importance of a Smile

by | Oct 2, 2015 | Dental Clinic Blog, Dental School, Roseman Dental - NV, Roseman Dental - UT

The first Friday in October every year is designated World Smile Day, a holiday that was initiated by the inventor of the iconic yellow smiley face, commercial artist Harvey Ball. The Smile Foundation that was created in his memory strives to improve the world one smile at a time. Harvey Ball and the Smile Foundation know how important a single smile can be, but the many benefits of smiling may surprise you.

  1. Your smile can make you happy. Feeling happy can make you smile, but the reverse is true as well. Studies have shown that smiling, whether genuine or forced, can release endorphins that create an authentic feeling of happiness, so next time you’re upset or stressed, put a smile on your face and trick your brain into changing your mood!
  2. Your smile can make someone else happy. A smile is like a yawn – when you see one, you instinctively copy it, and the happiness circuits in your brain light up. The same goes for everyone else, so greet the world with a smile on your face and others will instinctively smile back, increasing happiness everywhere you go.
  3. Your smile can help you relax. When you smile, your brain releases chemicals that can fight off stress, relax your body and lower your heart rate and blood pressure. The chemicals released can also diminish feelings of pain and depression.
  4. Your smile can make you seem more attractive. Most people perceive someone with a pleasant expression as attractive and sincere. When you smile, you seem more approachable and more likeable. There’s no easier way to increase your appeal.
  5. Your smile can land you a job. A smile can also make you seem more reliable and trustworthy, traits that an interviewer may value. By making eye contact and smiling when greeting a potential employer, you signal that you are confident, pleasant and capable.

Whether you’re feeling down or looking to make a good impression, take a minute to remember a joke or a pleasant memory and let the thought bring a smile to your face. This World Smile Day, remember that a smile costs nothing, but benefits you and everyone you see.