Today is World Smile Day and right now, any reason is a good reason to smile! So, here are five reasons you should have smiled today, even if you don't really feel like it.
1. It's contagious- According to Lifehack, our brains have a tendency to mimic people we're talking to. So, if you smile, they're more likely to smile, too.
2. It can boost your mood, even if you're faking it- There's an idea in psychology called the "facial feedback hypothesis," and it suggests that forcing a smile even when we don't feel like it can be enough to lift our mood slightly.
3. It can make you feel better physically- Science has found that a big, genuine smile can boost your immune system, decrease cortisol in your body, reduce blood pressure, and release endorphins. And as you know, all of these can make you feel better.
4. It makes you sound friendly- Smiling when you talk on the phone or on a Zoom call makes you sound happier, friendlier, and more engaging. THey tell you when to smile when you're on the radio because you can actually "Hear" the smile.
5. It could help you get out of trouble- According to Yahoo Life, research has found that people are more likely to forgive someone if they smile while apologizing. Now, you don't want to look happy about the mistake, but an embarrassed smile where you smile and look down is especially effective.