A smile is the universal sign for happiness. It makes you feel good and it spreads that joy to everyone around you. Even when you’re in a funk, a smile really can turn the tide. Let the world know that you’re happy with a smile. Here are 7 reasons to say cheese:

1. Smiling makes you feel better.

Smiling can make you feel happy even when you’re not. Smiling actually sends a message to your brain that you’re happy, which pumps you up with endorphins. Endorphins are neurotransmitters that send messages from one neuron to the next, producing a feeling of well being. A 1984 article in the journal Science found that people mimic their emotional expressions and their bodies produce physiological changes that reflect that emotion. And it goes both ways–if you want to feel crappy, frowning will get the job done.

2. Your smile is contagious.

Just like your smile makes you feel better, it makes those around you feel better as well. Smiling is contagious and it spreads an uplifting feeling from one person to the next.

3. It makes you more attractive.

Smiling makes you more attractive because people tend to look their best when they’re happiest. According to the American Academy of Dentistry, 96 percent of adult Americans believe an attractive smile makes people more appealing to the opposite sex.

4. It makes you laugh.

We humans have a bad habit of taking ourselves way too seriously. In those times when you’re forgetting that life should be fun, crack a smile. It will remind you to relax and ride the waves of life with ease.

5. Notice the everyday joys.

Sometimes you just need to smile at life’s everyday joys. Smile at the beauty of the world you’re lucky enough to live in each and everyday. Your smile is a reminder to be mindful and grateful.

6. It boosts immune health.

When you smile you’re more relaxed which contributes to good health and a stronger immune system. Stress in the body reduces the ability of the immune system to fight disease, that’s why we get physically ill. So consider cracking a smile even when you feel stress creeping up in your life.

7. It makes you more confident.

Sometimes it can be harder to be nice than it is to be mean. If you notice the cashier being rude to the customer in front of you, instead of continuing the nastiness, crack a smile and notice the negativity lift from the room. Sometimes we don’t smile because we fear rejection but when we do smile, those around us can feel that inner confidence. Confidence makes you more successful and better able to get what you want out of life.

Related on EcoSalon:
A Smile a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
An Orgasm a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
You Are Centerstage

Image: mihhailov

The post Say Cheese! 7 Reasons to Smile (Even if it’s Fake) appeared first on EcoSalon.

EcoSalon’s weekly playlist pick from 8tracks.

We were in need of a spring-worthy playlist and we came across this: “For the season where we begin to shed our clothes and run wild in the sun. Where flowers bloom and our hearts grow fonder.”

Here’s to celebrating those blooming flowers and smiling in the sunshine.

photosynthesis. from jahnavijane on 8tracks.

On Music Monday we bring you a featured playlist from one of our favorite music sites 8tracks. From indie rock to electro pop we hope it’s a playlist that kicks your week off right.

Image: 8tracks

The post Music Monday: Photosynthesis appeared first on EcoSalon.