The brain effects of smiling and its impact on health and performance

Science has new evidence every day. We have been commenting on many of them in various columns, such as the heart-brain circuit, digestive system and brain, respiration, etc. Research advances every day and shares information with us that we can use to our advantage.

The proposition for preventive medicine is becoming increasingly relevant. Medical science confirms that smiling is therapeutic for both physical and mental health. Smile is a resource that doctors and psychologists use on a therapeutic level.

We cannot separate body from mind or spirit, nor inheritance from environment, nor reason from action and emotion. Everything is integrated and works like parts of a gear.

When we smile, the muscles that are activated promote the secretion of serotonin, adrenaline and endorphins. When this happens, faces and expressions activate brain circuits as well as the heart and other muscles, the endocrine and immune systems, and the body-mind in general.

Conducted research indicates that whether we smile, frown or make an expression with our face, our brain will receive a signal. Seeing that the body will act accordingly. Like a coordinated system, after receiving the order stimulated by the movement of the facial muscles, the brain will appropriately secrete different types of hormones. In the case of a smile, it will create relaxation, release stress and tension, provide well-being.

Smiling reduces levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, thus improving immunity and preventing conditions. In turn, it increases adrenaline which results in improved performance and creativity. Likewise, it increases serotonin, reducing sadness, which helps prevent or combat depression. Endorphins, the happy hormones, are increased and the whole body feels well-being.

Popular sayings are sometimes wise and one of them says: In bad weather, put on a good face. The proposition is that we can keep a good face even in undesirable situations. Smile and reap great benefits.

What do you get from laughing every day?
• Reduce stress and anxiety.
• Fight depression.
• Low blood pressure.
• Boost the immune system.
• Increase brain plasticity.
• Increased feelings of well-being.
• Reduce feelings of discomfort.
• Improve heart health.
• Relax the muscles.
• Improves digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Encourage creativity.
• Increase productivity.
• Increase happiness.

A smile is contagious. Seeing someone smile is enough for our benefit because we will inevitably smile too. Smiles have social effects: People respond positively to smiles. We contact those who outline them. Simply looking at a photograph or movie of smiling people has a positive effect on the viewer’s brain.

On a practical level, we can practice smiling at ourselves and smiling at others. When we greet someone, when we meet someone, when we look in the mirror. Even when faced with a problem or an undesirable situation, we can smile even if we feel it is unsatisfactory. This will help us improve our emotional state and gain a new perspective. The situation will not change, but our perception will. With which reality changes.