Smiling, what can it do for you?
Well as it turns out - quite a bit! Just upturning the corners of our mouth, engaging our smile muscles starts a cascade of inner physiological responses.
For starters, smiling activates the release of neuropeptides that work toward fighting off stress. Neuropeptides are tiny molecules that allow neurons to communicate. They facilitate messaging to the whole body when we are happy, sad, angry, depressed or excited. The feel-good neurotransmitters—dopamine, endorphins and serotonin—are all released when a smile flashes across your face as well. This not only relaxes your body, but it can also lower your heart rate and blood pressure. Finally, the serotonin release brought on by your smile serves as an anti-depressant/mood lifter. (Psychology Today)
And smiling is contagious just like laughter - "unconsciously, we exchange a smile. Evidences show that brain waves move from person to person making everyone happy on seeing a smile. No practice needed whatsoever, so very raw, invisible and unstoppable!" (Prokerala)
I have found that just the deliberate upturn of the corners of my mouth when I'm not experiencing inner peace does definitely give me a lift. Moreover it makes me separate momentarily from the current stress and realise that another state of being is available and that is often hope enough - there is path through and there is another point of view on this moment!
Mother Theresa says "Peace begins with a smile."
"A smile is happiness you'll find right under your nose." (Tom Wilson)
And finally...
"Smile. It's the second best thing you can do with your lips." (Jill Shavis)
Try out this 'inner peace life hack' and let me know your experience!.
For another inner peace experience join me this week for a FREE Somatic Stretch Class - Inner Peace for your Body. Wednesday Oct 26 12:30 PDT. Register here and if you cant make the time we will send out a replay:)
Attending to our inner peace can make a difference to our world and those we share it with. Gratitude for your interest! and may you test out your smile!
Wendy
Wendy Weir
Inner Peace Activator
Follow us for peaceful inspiration @Libre Inner Peace