Did you know that smiling can change your state of mind? It’s true! Smiling changes the way your brain works and how it processes your emotions. A smile can have a profound, positive effect on your mental health and on the people around you. Here are five reasons why you should always try to turn a frown upside down.
Five Mental Health Benefits of Smiling
- Improve Your Mood
It doesn’t matter why you’re smiling, your brain always reacts the same way. Whether you’re smiling at a funny meme, your pet’s antics, or because someone else smiled at you, your facial expression tells your brain that you’re happy. Your brain then reacts by releasing endorphins that lift your mood. - Relieve Stress
A simple smile can make you feel more relaxed and even lower your stress levels. When you smile, you’re starting a chemical reaction in your brain that travels throughout your entire body. Smiling makes your brain suppress stress hormones like cortisol and release feel-good hormones like dopamine instead. - Fight Depression
Smiling acts like a natural antidepressant—when you smile, your brain releases serotonin, a mood stabilizer. Many medications for anxiety and depression focus on increasing serotonin levels in your brain, but smiling can increase serotonin all on its own, without any negative side effects. - Boost Your Confidence
When you smile, it changes the way that other people react. Smiling makes you seem more approachable, more attractive, and more sincere. So the next time you want to make a good impression—on a first date, or at a job interview—don’t forget to smile! - Make Someone’s Day
Smiles truly are contagious! In fact, one study from Sweden found that when someone sees a smiling face it’s really difficult not to smile back. Just by smiling, you can help improve the mood of everyone around you, because they’ll smile in return.
Are You Hiding Your Smile?
At Colorado Dental Group, we want to keep you smiling every day. If you need to get a cavity filled, replace a missing tooth, straighten crooked teeth, or simply brighten up your smile, we can help! We offer a full range of restorative and cosmetic dental treatments, including:
- Professional Cleanings
- Whitening Treatments
- Invisalign
- Crowns and Veneers
- Bridges and Implants
If you want to feel more confident about your smile, make an appointment at our Colorado Springs office today.