With all the challenges we face on a daily basis, it can be difficult to remember to smile. But smiling can do so much good for the mind and body, making it essential for all of us. In this blog post, we will explain the power of flashing those pearly whites as often as possible. If you aren’t thrilled with the current look of your teeth, don’t forget that our cosmetic dentist in Plano can help.
Here are 10 reasons to smile more, as mentioned in this article by the Huffington Post.
- It can improve your mood – Recent studies show that by suppressing negative emotions with positive facial expression, one’s mood helps align more strongly with the emotion their face is communicating. So while you may be ticked off at a coworker, for example, a smile can keep your mood upbeat.
- It’s a natural reducer of stress – Those who smile more enjoy a substantial reduction in heart rate, as well as a quicker stress recovery.
- Smiling makes you more approachable – This one might be a bit self-explanatory, but it’s still important to note. In the workplace, employees who are smiling come across to coworkers as more likable and friendly. Smiling employees also leave customers with better impressions during their experience. In addition, researchers have found that an authentic smile helps workers seem more competent in their tasks.
- A smile can instill trust – It’s been shown that a person who smiles more appears more trustworthy than someone who is not. Remember that a smile can instantly put someone at ease.
- It’s good for your brain – Shawn Achor, author of The Happiness Advantage, states that when we smile as part of our everyday routine, we allow our brains to create happiness loops that encourage more positive-thinking patterns.
- They’re contagious – You’ve probably heard someone say that a person has a contagious smile. In fact, it’s scientifically true. We all have mirror neurons that are activated when we perform a given action, as well as when we witness someone else performing it. So when we see a friend or family member smile or even laugh, our mirror neurons tell us to do the same.
- Smiles strengthen the body – Biochemist and artist Sondra Barrett says that smiling can actually release tension on a cellular level. She explains that when we smile, we reduce the rigidness of cells. This physical relaxation helps combat the risk of stress-induced cell mutations to may lead to health issues down the road.
- It boosts productivity – Keep in mind that a positive facial expression such as a smile can invigorate our mind and body, whereas frowning can yield a draining effect.
- Smiles increase creativity – Alena Hall cites a study showing that those who were happier had a more comprehensive approach to problems, thereby improving their ability come up with more solutions than those who aren’t happy.
- Smiles are free – The right diet, exercise, and supplements are all significant pieces of our mood. That said, that all costs money. It’s all the more reason to smile more and take advantage of the body’s natural all-around mood booster!
Our Plano Cosmetic Dentist
Do you want to be proud of your teeth so that you can feel comfortable smiling more? Dr. Trent Nguyen, our cosmetic dentist, can help! From family dental care and teeth whitening to braces and veneers, this Plano dentist can make all the difference.
Contact our dental office today to set up your appointment.
