10 Facts About Smiling

Smiling is a way we express our joy and communicate with the others. But do you know how powerful this simple facial expression is? Here are some facts about smiling we'd like to share.

1. Smiling may be a born skill

Scientists used to believe that smiles of babies before two-months old were just simple reflex to stimuli such as cheek strokes. However, they recently found that some babies smile when they’re still in the womb, and newborns sometimes smile during sleep.

2. Smiling is good to your health and mood

Studies show that when you smile, even a fake one, your brain will release hormones such as dopamine and serotonin, and your body releases cortisol and endorphins. They can help lower your blood pressure and relax your heart rate. So next time you get upset or nervous, you may get better if you try smiling!

3. Smiling is a universal communicating tool

There are lots of different languages and accents. However, facial expressions, especially the smile is one thing that we can use to communicate with anyone.

4. Smiling can be contagious

According to a research, the “sensorimotor simulation” in our brains makes us mimic the expression when someone smiles at us and we may not even realize it. Like a sneeze or yawn, it’s also very hard to stop yourself from smiling.

5. There is more than one type of smile

Study suggests that there are various types of smiles that reflect different emotions of people. Among those only 6 smiles are out of happy and joy. The rest such as fake smile occurs when someone feel embarrassed and awkward.

6. You may live longer with smiling

There was a study of the relation between facial expression and life span based on players cards from the 1952 Major League Baseball season. The researchers found that those baseball players who smiled eventually lived an average of five to seven years longer than their peers. The reason may be the serotonin released when one smiles can enhance immunity.

7. People smile more often when with others

Although we will smile while looking at mirror or watching adorable pets, we are more likely to smile with companion nearby. Scientists observed some babies and discovered they smiled more frequently when being surrounded by people than being alone.

8. A smile can leave a great impression

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry did a research and found that 48% of the subjects would remember one's smile at the first acquaintance, and only 25% could remember their first talk.

9. Smiling makes you look more friendly

A grumpy face will scary off many people who intend to talk and make friends with you. Smiling will make your social life much easier.

10. Smiling is not peculiar to humans

Smiling is a facial expression that born with humans. But do you know we are not the only creatures that can smile? In fact, apes, monkeys, and chimpanzees can smile too.

Sometimes a smile may brighten one's whole world. This facial expression is not only good to your mental and physical health, but also helpful to your social life.