It’s that time of the year again! The decorations are up, malls are open later, and more likely than not, you’ve had someone wish you a “Happy Holidays” with a smile. Smiles are free (unlike the latest and greatest game your brother wants), and are a fantastic way to spread joy this winter holiday! Here are 10 interesting facts about smiles:
- It’s a universal sign of happiness: While hand shakes, hugs, and bows all have varying meanings across cultures, smiling is known around the world and in all cultures as a sign of happiness and acceptance.
- Smiles are the most easily recognizable facial expression: People can recognize smiles from up to 300 feet away!
- It’s easier to smile than to frown: Your body has to work harder and use more muscles to frown than it does to smile!
- Women smile more than men: Generally, women do smile more than men, but when they participate in similar work or social roles, they smile the same amount. This finding leads scientists to believe that gender roles are quite flexible. Boy babies, though, do smile less than girl babies, who also make more eye contact.
- Forcing yourself to smile can boost your mood: Psychologists have found that even if you’re in bad mood, you can instantly lift your spirits by forcing yourself to smile.
- Smiles relieve stress: Your body immediately releases endorphins when you smile, even when you force it. This sudden change in mood will help you feel better and release stress.
- Smiling helps you get promoted: They make a person seem more attractive, sociable and confident, and people who smile more are more likely to get a promotion.
- 63%: Percentage of people who say they look best in photos when they’re showing their teeth.
- Smiles use from 5 to 53 facial muscles: Just smiling can require your body to use up to 53 muscles, but some smiles only use 5 muscle movements!
- Smiles boost your immune system: Really! Your body is more relaxed when you smile, which contributes to good health and a stronger immune system.
Don’t forget – smiles are contagious! I can make you smile by smiling at you! In a study conducted in Sweden, people had difficulty frowning when they looked at other subjects who were smiling, and their muscles twitched into smiles all on their own! The act of smiling is an important human activity, and you should feel good about giving it away. If you’re stingy with your smile because it’s something less than what you want it to be, we can help – smiles are what we do best.
Come and visit us to talk about getting you a smile that you just can’t keep to yourself.
