7 Surprising Reasons to Smile More

Dr. Reza Written by Dr. Reza Khazaie

Smiling is good for you and good for others. Therefore, we should all strive to smile more! Here’s why.

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A beautiful, genuine smile isn’t just nice to look at; it’s also a way of intentionally or unintentionally communicating everything from mood to self-confidence and more. A smile is always more than a smile.

Objectively, however, a smile is nothing more than a tightening and flexing of our zygomaticus major and orbicularis oculi muscles. These are the muscles around our mouth and eyes that are most activated when we smile. From a rational standpoint, that’s all there is to it. However, you and I both know that a smile is so much more than that. A smile can bring joy and happiness into your life. A smile can reassure someone in doubt, cheer someone up who is down, or even convey attraction to someone you’re interested in. 

A smile is always more than a smile, and while to scientists, a smile may be nothing more than flexing and relaxing specific facial muscles, we know that smiles are powerful.

While we are all aware of the effect a smile can have on us and others, there is also a large body of hard scientific evidence that hints at the power of such a seemingly simple facial expression. Studies show that a smile, even when forced, can make people feel calmer, more positive, and happier.