The 5 Superpowers of Your Smile

"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy." —Thich Nhat Hanh

Various scientific researchers have complied a long list of the benefits of smiling and I just had to share these 5 superpowers that smiling ignite!

1. Smiling elevates your mood and creates a sense of well-being

Smiling activates the release of neuropeptides that work toward fighting off stress . Neuropeptides are tiny molecules that allow neurons to communicate. They facilitate messaging to the whole body when we are happy, sad, angry, depressed, or excited.

The feel-good neurotransmitters : dopamine, endorphins and serotonin are all released when a smile flashes across your face as well . This not only relaxes your body, but it can also lower your heart rate and blood

pressure.

The endorphins also act as a natural pain reliever — 100-percent organic and without the potential negative side effects of synthetic concoctions.

The serotonin release brought on by your smile serves as an anti-depressant/mood lifter

Many of today’s pharmaceutical anti-depressants also influence the levels of serotonin in your brain, but with a smile, you again don’t have to worry about negative side effects — and you don’t need a prescription from your doctor.

2. Smiling induces more pleasure in the brain than chocolate

Now this may sound a little bit hard to believe but “British researchers found that one smile can generate the same level of brain stimulation as up to 2,000 bars of chocolate.

Wow! What does this mean for chocolate lovers? Nothing. Just make make sure to add smiling to your guilty pleasures.;)

3. Smiling makes you more creative

The same mood boost can also get those creative juices flowing. Studies found that those who were happier had a more comprehensive approach to problems, improving their ability to think of more solutions than their negative-minded counterparts. The researchers connected this finding to the release of dopamine triggered by happiness, since the neurotransmitter is involved in learning, processing and decision-making.

4. Smiling is contagious

YOU can be a light when entering a room. Smiling at someone can help lift a person's spirits. Physically and genetically we are wired to act in a certain manner. In fact, research states that most of the time- we do not even realize that we are returning a smile!

5. Smiling is free!

Smiles are free, yet they enrich us. They have the power to increase both the well-being of the one who offers the smile as well as the one who receives it. Smiles are an easy, goodhearted, efficient and proactive way to improve your day and the day of those around you. They are an excellent means for spreading the contagion of positive vibes.

"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart"- Proverbs 15:30

Many Blessings,

AlexMonae