The Power of a Contagious Smile

Smiling is the most significant thing you can do to make the world a better place when we have no idea what to do or what to say.  Support for this point of view appears in an article written June 25, 2012 when Guest Blogger Sarah Stevenson reported in Psychology Today entitled, “There is Joy in Your Smile – How Smiling Affects Your Brain.”

One of the things others have noted about me throughout my career is that when I enter a room to meet and greet people for the first time or to take the stage to lead a workshop or speak to an audience, the consistent observation is that my smile speaks volumes before I open my mouth. 

Reports indicate my smile puts people at ease, makes them comfortable, and prepare them to welcome what I am present to share.

Does science support that our smiles are simple gifts to feel good and be at ease for others and ourselves? Stevenson reports that practitioners of scientific research and spiritual traditions acknowledge the smile has the power to change people and people in their orbit.

The smile is contagious. It is a viral event. When someone smiles, most people immediately smile in response.

Smiles do not only lift our moods but also the persons receiving our smiles. Our smiles make us more appealing. The simple act of smiling has the power to lengthen our lives. Smile Everybody Smile!

Smiling activates brain chemicals called neuropeptides. They include the feel good neurotransmitters dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin. When we smile, they relax our bodies and lower our blood pressures. Serotonin’s release acts as a mood bosting antidepressant.

The power of the smile benefits the one that smiles and the one or ones noticing or receiving the smile. Smiles are therefore mutually beneficial. We become more attractive when we smile and people treat us with higher levels of courtesy and respect. We position ourselves to experience better health and longer life. Smiling is the most significant thing we can do to make the world a better place when we have no idea what to do or what to say.