We probably all know that smiling and laughing help boost our mood and confidence — and even a simple smile with a stranger can go a long way. In fact, a survey found that 48 percent of adults believe that a smile is the most memorable feature of a person. But did you ever think of the other benefits a simple smile can have? The saying “laughter is the best medicine” actually deems true, with many studies showing that smiling actually has many physical and psychological health benefits.
Did you know that smiling has the power to lower blood pressure? When we are stressed, our heart rate and blood pressure rise, but combating that stress with smiles and laughter can relax the heart muscles, thus contributing to decreasing heart rate and blood pressure.
Smiling can also help increase endurance. A study found that runners who were smiling through their workouts actually used less energy than those who weren’t, and those who were frowning through their workout put in a higher amount of effort.
Who knew a simple smile could be so beneficial to our overall health? The next time you are feeling down, make sure to turn that frown upside down! Your body will thank you. To learn more about other science-backed benefits of smiling, check out the visual created by Auraglow below:
Corey Doane is a Content Marketing Specialist at Siege Media and has a B.S. in Public Relations. She creates content on a wide range of topics and has a passion for the lifestyle and wellness space. When Corey isn’t writing, you can find her going on a hike and spending time with her family.