Smiles are Better
Than Chocolate!
Scientists have discovered that smiling stimulates our brain’s reward mechanisms in a way that the most famed, well-regarded pleasure inducer, chocolate, cannot match.
By DAWN DAMON
I heard a fascinating and notable statistic the other day; It takes 62 muscles to frown and 26 to smile!
Wow. Science proves what we’ve suspected – it takes more energy to show a sad face than a happy one. In fact, it requires more energy to be miserable and moody than it does to be pleasant and joyful.
That “happy face” finding would be hard to believe if science didn’t back it up. At least for me. When I heard that statistic, I thought, “Yeah, right!” It’s easier to give into those negative moods and hurl destructive words. Sometimes it just feels GOOD to let frustration fly. (But only for a moment, by the way.)
The reality is, however, walking around with a sour look on our faces and giving into pity parties and bad moods – while giving us an immediate payoff – does indeed lead to a life of pain, sadness, and broken relationships. That’s when energy drains from us. With our joy sapped and our nervous systems pushed to the edge, we feel lethargic and weary.
A smile, on the other hand, goes a long way toward improving our overall health and outlook on life. Honest. According to scientist Andrew Newberg, a smile is “the symbol that was rated with the highest positive emotional content.”
Scientists have discovered that smiling stimulates our brain’s reward mechanisms in a way that the most famed, well-regarded pleasure inducer, chocolate, cannot match.
WHAT!? More than chocolate? Inconceivable.
Yes, friends, it’s true. Smiling can change your mood, your outlook, and of course, your beauty. Smiling tells your brain and body that you’re happy and ready to face the world. Your brain, in turn, releases chemicals to provide you with the energy you need. Not only does your smile change your feelings and moods, but science shows that it also produces the same effect in others who see you smiling.
So today, not to be trite, but seriously, turn your frown upside down and smile.
Smile because Jesus loves you.
Smile because you have another day of life.
Smile because your future is bright.
Smile because you are an overcomer!
Smile, and the world will smile back at you!
Smiling with you,
Dawn
Dawn Damon is an Influencer, Pastor, Global Communicator, Podcaster, Coach, and Best-Selling Author.
Founder and CEO of the BraveHearted Woman, a transformational coaching and personal growth development enterprise designed to awaken and cultivate the vision of women-dreamers, calling them to brave-up and live their best lives.
Also known as the BraveHeart Mentor ™, Dawn is the creator and host of The BraveHearted Woman, a weekly podcast that encourages women to unleash their full potential to the world, by discovering their inner fortitude to make needed life transformations, so they can live a fulfilling life without regret.