We’ve probably heard it before: “You’ve got such a pretty smile! You should smile more.” It’s a pretty rude thing to say to someone.
It also happens to be true.
Smiling is Good for You (And Others)
You know the song, “When You’re Smiling (the Whole World Smiles With You)“? Well, it’s actually true. Scientifically.
You see, your brain has mirror neurons, which are the physiological foundation for empathy. When you see someone smiling, these neurons fire the same as if you yourself are smiling; if you see them frowning, your frowning mirror neurons go off. In short, you feel the same emotion they do (to a lesser degree).
In a sense, smiling is contagious. Which is good, because there are actual health benefits to smiling, like releasing endorphins. Your smile makes the person you’re talking to, or waving to from the other side of the stage, smile back. Their smile makes the actor they’re talking to smile, which makes the producer smile when she sees it, and on and on and on.
But I Don’t Feel Like Smiling
What if you’re not in the mood to smile? Fake it.
I mean it. Pretending to smile tricks your brain into releasing dopamine and endorphins, which will put you in a happier mood. And put others in a happier mood, too.
Misery may love company, but you don’t want to spread the misery around, do you?
R.B.F.
What if you’re one of those people with “resting bitch face”?
I’m sorry, that sucks for you. This is your cross to bear, unfortunately.
Studies show that 90% of communication is non-verbal.{{1}} We’re getting a ton of information about a person by the way they look, not just the things they say. Saying the same words with a grin or a glower can change the message completely.
If your face just looks like Louis XIV all the time, you need to be aware of the effect this is having on others around you. This is doubly true if you’re not actually in a bad mood. Miscommunication on set is always bad, even if its miscommunication about your mood.
Seriously, practice smiling. Any time you remember this article, take a deep breath, and think happy thoughts. Letting your breath go as you smile will help relax you and make it feel more genuine to others. And as they respond to your smile, you’ll want to smile back, too. It’s a virtuous cycle.
It’ll make your day more pleasant, and everyone else’s, too.
[[1]]Which isn’t exactly true, but it’s a useful rule of thumb.[[1]]
