Smiles

Mentoring Amplifies

Smiles should be contagious, experiences shared, connections meaningful. This is how progress starts. We all need doors opened, shoulders to stand on and high fives along the way. We are never too old to play; minds and hearts should be full, successes celebrated, passions sparked, dreams achieved. There is no such thing as other people’s children. Young people aren't just the future. We are the present. We are all on this journey together.

It’s not just what you know it’s who you know who stood by you and who will you stand by? Mentoring amplifies.

Top 10 Reasons to Smile Every Day

Smiling Helps You Live Longer

Overall, happy people seem to enjoy better health and longevity, though more research is needed to understand why that is. Research does suggest that happiness could increase lifespan by years—suggesting maintaining a happy, positive mood may be an important part of living a healthy lifestyle.

Smiling Relieves Stress

Believe it or not, smiling can reduce stress even if you don't feel like smiling or even if you fake it with a smile that isn't genuine.4 When you are stressed, take the time to put on a smile. You and those around you will reap the benefits.

Smiling Elevates Mood

The physical act of smiling actually activates pathways in your brain that influence your emotional state—meaning that by adopting a happy facial expression, you can "trick" your mind into entering a state of happiness.

Smiling is Contagious

Your brain automatically notices and interprets other people's facial expressions—and sometimes, you may even mimic them. That means that you might spot someone else's smile and unconsciously smile yourself.

Smiling Boosts the Immune System

It is thought that when you smile, immune function improves because you are more relaxed (thanks to the release of certain neurotransmitters).

Smiling May Lower Blood Pressure

Smiling could have a beneficial impact on your blood pressure. Laughter specifically seems to lower blood pressure, after causing an initial increase in heart rate and breathing.

Smiling Reduces Pain

Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, other natural painkillers, and serotonin. Together, these brain chemicals make us feel good from head to toe. Not only do they elevate your mood, but they also relax your body and reduce physical pain. Smiling is a natural drug.

Smiling Suggests Success

Try putting on a smile at meetings and business appointments. You might find that people react to you differently.

Smiling Helps You Stay Positive

Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It's hard, isn't it?

Smiling can influence your feelings of positivity, even if it feels unnatural or forced. Regardless of whether or not your smile is genuine, it still sends the message that "Life is good!" to your brain and, ultimately, the rest of your body.

(Stibich, M. (2021, April 2). Top 10 reasons to smile every day. Verywell Mind. Retrieved February 4, 2022, from https://www.verywellmind.com/top-reasons-to-smile-every-day-2223755)

Lisa Ott