I randomly stumbled across this Ted Talk today by Ron Gutman on the hidden power of smiling! I love these kind of talks because it reinforces the simplest of truths that you intuitively know -- smiling will improve your health.
Sometimes the busyness of life causes us to forget these joyous habits, but I hope this serves as a friendly reminder to :D
A few highlights of this talk:
Kids smile over 400 times per day.
People who smile are perceived as being more competent.
Smiling may even increase lifespan.
Smiling sends signals to the brain of emotional well-being.
Smiling is attractive -- when you smile, others perceive you as better looking, more likeable and courteous.
Smiling lowers stress hormones like cortisol and lowers blood pressure.
Facial muscular feedback modifies emotional areas of the brain, therefore, botoxing your beautiful smile lines is a VERY BAD IDEA. Smiling lights up the brain associated with "feeling good".
Smiling stimulates feel-good areas of the brain MORE than chocolate and money, honey!
After reading my blog post I hope you:
Smile at a stranger today.
Smile at your spouse / significant other when they come home from work.
Smile at your kids.
Smile at the grocery store cashier.
Sending you a big JOYOUS smile!
Joy
Thanks for sharing this TED Talk. Like the integration of science in our everyday lives :)
ReplyWhat an amazing speech. Ron Gutman shares a timeless truth that seems to constantly be lost in our everyday lives. Smiling provides so many benefits towards physical and emotional health. Keep up with your oral hygiene and you’ll be sure to see your health and passion for life vastly improved.
Reply[…] now a happy, healthy 14-yr-old boy) as my inspiration, I challenge myself not to underestimate the gift of a smile. Not just now that the “season of giving” is officially underway but all year round. Even […]
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