The first thing I remember learning from Thich Nhat Hanh over 25 years ago was the benefit of a half-smile. He taught that smiling can make you happier. It was my first experience with mindfully taking care of myself in a positive way. He also taught that if you are happy or joyful, a smile will naturally appear on your lips. For many years now I have consciously practiced smiling. Even when I am grumpy on the inside, others have reflected that it doesn’t show on the outside!
There is research that says smiling increases our well-being. According to Psychology Today, smiling is a natural stress reliever—it can lower your heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and even boost your immune system by cutting down on cortisol, the stress hormone. When you smile, your brain releases feel-good chemicals like endorphins, which help ease pain and stress, and serotonin, which can lift your mood.
Smiling can also create positive emotional feelings and interactions between people through the action of mirror neurons, located in several key areas of the brain. These amazing neurons are fundamental to our ability to understand others’ actions and intentions, including their emotions. They allow us to “mirror,” and at the same time experience, the actions and feelings of others, allowing us to create a sense of empathy and connection with each other. When we smile then, our well-being expands beyond our own selves. It can have a positive effect on our relationships, our interactions with others and the spaces we share together. Imagine – this is the power of your smile!
“Peace begins with a smile”
-Mother Theresa of Kolkata
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