The Smile Diet

I saw the inscription on a T-shirt “Smile- it is free”

My mouth curved an oh, not because I did not know but because I realized how myself and many others disregard this liberty.

Who pays for a smile?

But we would rather spend money to feed for health benefits, on clothes and accessories to feel and look good than freely smile as often.

Most of us observe smiling to be an involuntary response to things that bring joy or laughter which is certainly true, but we repeatedly overlook the truth that smiling can be just as much a voluntary choice.

Research and scientific studies have confirmed that the act of smiling can elevate your mood and that of the people around you. A string bond exists among good health, longevity and smiling. Other studies have shown that a genuine or ‘forced’ smile can have a short or long term benefit on people’s health and wellbeing.

Some of these super powers of smiling are;

• Smiling relieves stress

• Smiling elevates your mood

• Smiling helps you stay positive

• Smiling makes you look younger

• Smiling holds a power of attraction

Smiling relieves stress

You know how stress can show up uninvited on your face and slightly, almost perfectly ruin your make up.. However, Smiling works to ease stress. It activates the release of neuropeptides that work toward fighting off stress. They facilitate massaging to the whole body.

A 2012 study found that social laughter increases your pain threshold, creating a higher pain tolerance.

Smiling is a natural drug that has no side effect whatsoever and relieves us of an unavoidable life stance- stress. So, take the right dose and pop ’em pills in your mouth. Smile stress off!

Smiling elevates your mood.

The most attractive accessory yet is a smile.

According to Ron Gutman, the author of Smile: The Astonishing Powers of a Simple Act, British researchers found that one smile can generate the same level of brain stimulation as up to 2000 bars of chocolate. Other studies have shown that Smiling release mood-boosting neurotransmitters like dopamine, natural pain killers and serotonin.

Smiling is more of a natural antidepressant. So the next time you feel down, put on a smile and take the chance of a feel-good party and a better mood.

Smiling helps you stay positive

What negativity can stand in the way of a positive mind?

Possibilities and positivity is a potent weapon that Smiling graces you with. It massages your brain and activates relaxation well enough for your brain to properly navigate even through a storm.

 I have an amazing friend who always ever smiles even amidst worries and trials and everytime, he leaves a message with me “life still is good.” He must know it to reflect it. So if you want to give this hope to people so they can be as far away from depression, stress and worry, you can very well learn the art of Smiling. Draw on a smile!

Smiling can make you look younger

Who doesn’t want to look young~er?

Certainly, on that list would no lady be found.

The UMKC researchers tested the popular theory that Smiling might cause others to perceive you as being younger than you actually are.

Without much ado, Smiling gives a natural face-lift and age stands in the shadows in light of a smile.

Hoping to sustain your youthful look?

You might as well keep on a smile very often.

Smiling holds a power of attraction

According to a 2014 study, people who smile are perceived as being more likeable than people who don’t smile. I bet you concur from your own observation too.

Have you also noticed that you are drawn to people that smile a lot?

There is a real physical attraction factor linked to the act of Smiling.

“And when you smile, the whole world stands and stares for a while…” Oh puh~leez! the whole world?

Yes, the whole world around you stares just for that while because you look awesome, contented and attractive when you smile.

A smile helps create stronger and healthier social bonds, so use the attraction power of your smile to draw people in!

In ‘naija’ style, the Koko of the matter is, smile!

It is extremely beneficial to your body, mind and wellbeing.

Even when you are feeling blue

Take a clue

Keep in view

The beauty of looking new

In a well worn make up of a genuine smile.

Kirks Franklin’s choir beautifully sang- You look so much better when you smile, so smile!