Have you ever been told to cheer up and smile? It's often not the most welcomed advice, especially when you're feeling under the weather, exhausted, or just downright low. However, there's actually solid reasoning behind the notion of turning that frown upside down, as cliché as it may sound. Scientific research indicates that simply smiling can elevate your mood, alleviate stress, bolster your immune system, and potentially even extend your lifespan.
It might seem counterintuitive at first glance. After all, we typically associate smiles with happiness; how could the reverse also hold true? But according to Dr. Isha Gupta, a neurologist from IGEA Brain and Spine, a smile triggers a chemical response in the brain, releasing various hormones such as dopamine and serotonin. "Dopamine enhances our sense of happiness, while serotonin release is linked to reduced stress. Low serotonin levels are associated with depression and aggression," explains Dr. Gupta. "Similarly, low dopamine levels are also linked to depression."
Fake It Till You Make It
In other words, smiling can deceive your brain into believing that you're happy, thereby prompting actual feelings of happiness. But the benefits don't stop there. Dr. Murray Grossan, an ENT-otolaryngologist based in Los Angeles, refers to the field of psychoneuroimmunology (the study of the brain's connection to the immune system), stating that numerous studies have demonstrated how depression weakens the immune system, whereas happiness strengthens it.
"It's remarkable that the simple act of smiling can positively impact your immunity," notes Dr. Grossan. "When you smile, the brain interprets the muscle activity as a signal of humor."
In a way, the brain is easily swayed by a smile. It doesn't discern whether your smile stems from genuine joy or mere pretense.
"Even forcing a smile can genuinely reduce stress and lower your heart rate," adds Dr. Sivan Finkel, a cosmetic dentist at NYC's The Dental Parlour. "A study conducted by researchers at the University of Cardiff in Wales revealed that individuals who were unable to frown due to botox injections reported higher average levels of happiness than those who could frown."
Moreover, numerous other studies support the benefits of smiling. Researchers at the University of Kansas found that smiling helps diminish the body's stress response and reduces heart rate in tense situations; another study correlated smiling with lower blood pressure, while yet another suggested a link between smiling and longevity.