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Serious Smile Power

Serious Smile PowerI confess I’m one of those (obnoxious?) people who, even though I know you’re trying to avoid eye contact as you pass me on the street, will flash a big smile when you get close to accompany my bright “Good morning!” You may ignore me. You may grumble/mumble a response to my unexpected greeting. But as often as not, you’re going to smile back – and maybe even offer a pleasantry of your own. Why? Because smiles are every bit as contagious as yawns!

You already know how effective your own smile can be. It can make somebody happy, calm somebody down, or get somebody to do exactly what you’d like them to do. But the power of a smile goes way beyond the surface. Studies show that smiling more can help us live longer, reduce stress, and reduce blood pressure. Another study shows that smiling can generate the same level of brain stimulation as up to 2,000 bars of chocolate! (Okay – I might need actual proof for that last one.)

In this popular Ted talk, more hidden powers of smiling are revealed. Check it out for a great way to start the week with a (powerful!) smile on your face!

0 Comments

  1. As I started off my Monday in a very sad mood, you got my attention in two ways. 1. It’s not the end of the world, and a smile (even it’s fake it till you make) can’t do anything but help. 2. You never know who might be feeling sad, and maybe a smile is what they need most. So even if they avoid eye contact or mumble, maybe that brief moment of positive contact will be what they remember most. So thanks for a better start to my day!

    1. Glad to be of service, Gina – sorry you had a rocky start to your day. I, too, subscribe to the “fake it until you make it” theory – especially when dealing with clients who don’t “want” to be civil to their ex b/c it’s not ‘real’ – I’m sure you can relate!

  2. Smiled all the way through the video. Too bad smiling doesn’t melt off excess weight…HAHAHAHAHAHA

    1. Actually it does burn calories, but v-e-r-y slowly. Laughing picks up the pace a bit. Realistic conclusion? If we hung out together long enough we’d be twigs! -El

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