LIFESTYLE | MENTAL HEALTH | LIFE LESSONS
The Positive Effects of a Positive Smile
For a Better Way of Life.
“Don’t look so sad!”
Especially introverts, and that includes me, probably know this line inside and out and have had to hear it far too often.
And what do we do?
We put on a pained smile as the level of discomfort reaches its peak.
Once in such a situation, it feels like standing on a pedestal, approved to be observed.
And if you’re anything like me, the last thing you want to do is put on a mask just so others will be satisfied and stop bothering you with this issue.
A Smile That Comes From the Heart Is Always Easier!
These are moments in which we enjoy the present without restraint and simply feel life.
Suddenly smiling comes very easily!
Quite automatically we make a happy face and no one would get the idea to call us a sad lot or the like.
We don’t even need to think about it, because all of a sudden smiling becomes the most natural thing in the world!
When the well-being of a moment shines outward from deep within us, we literally become the source of a positive attitude towards life, passing this positivity on to others.
And of course, that includes us — we too feel happier with a natural smile that comes from the heart.
We give a smile to the world — the world reflects a smile back to us.
Like an echo.
Or a mirror.
Well, up to this point it may sound wonderful, but a casual smile is unfortunately not available by pushing a button.
Can You Train a Smile?
It may sound like a cliché, but I think so! Absolutely.
The reason?
Smiling involves facial muscles. Like any other muscle, they too can be trained.
Of course, not comparable to, let's say, bodybuilding. I’m talking much more about muscle memory here.
Our muscle memory can do fantastic things with our bodies!
For example, we learn to type with 10 fingers and at some point, it comes to us automatically after just practicing often enough.
Also, there are activities such as cycling or swimming that you “just don’t unlearn”. When we need to get from A to B, we get on the bike and simply pedal away.
So Daily in Front of the Mirror and …?
… and smile?
Why not? It is the simplest form of “training” and can be implemented immediately.
“But it feels so unnatural!”
In that case… how about just shaking off the seriousness of life for a moment?
👍 Stand above yourself!
👍 Make faces.
👍 Make fun of yourself and make yourself laugh!
But above all: enjoy the moment.
❤️ You are enough.
💝 You are perfect.
💖 You are amazing!
And that’s exactly why you can allow yourself anything!
Because you are a wonderful person and have the right to be happy and show it to the world.
How We Can Make Smiling Easier
The mirror is just one of many options.
Alternatively, how about the following “exercises”?
- Relax after a busy day with a comedy series.
Comedy does what the name suggests: it makes you laugh! Or makes you smile. Well, at least it should. 👉 Wonderful for casually flexing your laugh muscles! - Nod a friendly smile greeting people as they pass by.
This takes some getting used to at first, and may be more comfortable in a rural area than in a big city. It’s particularly easy to practice on passers-by of the older generation. Most of them appreciate politeness. 👨🦳👍
And if someone doesn’t respond, try to not overthink it. Just tell yourself that the person probably didn’t notice your greeting. - Wrap your negative feelings in ridiculous cheerfulness.
Is something bothering you?
Did you have an annoying day?
Are you out of coffee? 💀☕
👉 Worry not! Because here is the solution! 👍
Have a seat, get comfortable, and write it down. Free writing will help you find relaxation.
For a bonus effect, just ridicule what annoys you! Give it a try. After a few sentences, the tension will release and you may even be able to laugh at your own words.
How about you?
- What makes you laugh?
- How do you relax best after a bad or stressful day?
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