6 Benefits of Smiling and Laughing

You think smiling is just a way to show that you’re happy or friendly? Think again. Smiling and laughing have some pretty awesome benefits that might surprise you.

6 Benefits of Smiling and Laughing

1. Smiling releases your endorphins

When you smile or laugh, your body releases endorphins, the same chemicals that result in the “runner’s high” you get after exercise. Endorphins are responsible for making us feel happy, so the more we stimulate our brain to release them, the happier and more relaxed we get to feel.

2. Smiling lowers your stress level

Smiling has the power to lower stress levels and anxiety – even when you fake it. One study revealed that even participants who forced themselves to smile had lower heart rates during stress recovery than participants whose faces remained neutral. The release of endorphins also lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels.

3. Smiling enhances your body’s equilibrium

Laughing is great exercise for the body. It expands your lungs and stretches your muscles. It also stimulates homeostasis, which is the body’s ability to maintain balance and self-regulate.

4. Smiling enhances your attraction

Smiling makes you more attractive to people you smile at. It also makes you more approachable. In addition, smiles and laughter are contagious, so as you smile and laugh, so will the people around you. These positive interactions and all those flowing endorphins add to everyone’s wellbeing.

5. Smiling benefits your career

Smiling enhances confidence, attractiveness, and approachability, all of which make a big impression at a job interview. These attributes also go a long way when networking, establishing relationships with clients and co-workers, making sales calls, and stepping into leadership roles.

6. Smiling gives you courage (yes, actually!)

One study showed that a happy mood can eliminate the need for familiar stimuli to make you feel safe and comfortable. And since smiling stimulates those feel-good endorphins, then why not see if you can smile your way up on to that comedy improv stage?

Don’t hide your smile

Covering your mouth to hide your teeth when you laugh or smile means missing out on some of the above benefits. This is a disservice to you and to the people around you who could benefit from your smile.

At Town Center Dentistry, we want to help you free your smile. We have the best dental specialists in San Diego, and we offer top-of-the-line dental care. Whether you’re looking for dental implants, All-on-Four, teeth whitening, orthodontics, or any other dental treatments, we’re here for you. Come in for a consultation, and let’s talk about which of our services will help you to set your smile free.