In celebration of World Smile Day, which is celebrated on the first Friday in the month of October every year, we take a look at nine reasons smiling is cooler than frowning.
- Smiling is contagious
Because of complex brain activity that occurs when you see someone smiling, smiles are contagious. Studies report that just seeing one person smiling activates the area of your brain that controls your facial movement, which leads to a grin. People have difficulty frowning when they look at other people smiling.
- It has health benefits
Smiling makes your immune system stronger by making your body produce white blood cells to help fight illnesses. Your body is more relaxed when you smile, which contributes to good health and a stronger immune system. It also helps in lowering heart rates than those with a neutral facial expression.
- It releases endorphin
By releasing endorphin, smiling can help you manage stress and anxiety. Your body immediately releases endorphin when you smile, even when you force it. This sudden change in mood will help you feel better and release stress.
- You’ll be more attractive
Smiles are very attractive for more reasons than one. A smile suggests that you’re personable, easy-going and empathetic. In fact, it actually makes you more attractive to those you smile at.
- You’ll be more approachable
If you want to make some friends, then turn your frown upside down. Studies have found that people are more willing to engage socially with others who are smile than those who don’t.
- You’ll seem more trustworthy
If you want to improve your credibility, simply smile more. Studies have shown that people who smiled more are deemed more trustworthy than people who frown or have non-smiling facial expressions.
- it’s easier to smile than to frown
Scientists have discovered that your body has to work harder and use more muscles to frown than it does to smile.
- Babies are born with the ability to smile
Babies learn a lot of behaviours and sounds from watching the people around them, but scientists believe that all babies are born with the ability, since even blind babies smile. Most doctors believe that real smiles occur when babies are awake at the age of four-to-six weeks, but babies start smiling in their sleep as soon as they’re born. Boy babies, though, do smile less than girl babies, who also make more eye contact.
- Smiles are the most easily recognisable facial expression
People can recognise smiles from up to 300 feet away, making it the most easily recognisable facial expression.
