Smiling is good for you
Did you know that smiling is good for you? It can elevate your mood simply because the physical act of smiling activates neural messaging in your brain and triggers the release of neuropeptides and mood-boosting neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.
Smiling is not only a mood booster, it really is part of our nature. It helps our bodies release cortisol and endorphins that provide numerous health benefits, including:
• reduced blood pressure
• increased endurance
• reduced pain
• reduced stress
• strengthened imune system
Smiling and mindfulness meditation
Another way to think about these things that helps all of the above is to meditate. Try smiling “inwardly” to yourself while you’re meditating. It will help you feel good and help your body remember the good feelings associated with meditating. It also helps radiate some of those good feelings out to your friends and family and coworkers.
Because another really nice thing about smiling is that it’s contagious. So make yourself and everyone around you happy today and smile.
“The four characteristics of humanism are curiosity, a free mind, belief in good taste, and belief in the human race.” – E. M. Forster
“Our real journey in life is interior: it is a matter of growth, deepening, and of an ever greater surrender to the creative action of love and grace in our hearts.” – Thomas Merton
“The quieter you become, the more you can hear.” – Ram Dass
Have you ever tried meditation? What method do you use? Do you practice regularly? Have you subscribed to my Youtube channel? There are guided meditations in English and Italian? You can also look for me on InsightTimer in Italian.
Be well.
