Did you know that the average person smiles about 13 times a day? Now, think about this: kids can smile up to 400 times a day!
A simple smile can have a big impact—not just on your mood, but also on the people around you. A recent study found that people who smile are seen as healthier and more attractive than those who rely on being the right weight or wearing makeup. If you’ve ever been curious about the science behind your smile, keep reading.
When you smile, your brain releases four key hormones: neuropeptides, endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. These chemicals can lift your mood, which is why perfecting your smile is especially helpful.
Let’s break down what happens in your brain when you’re happy with these hormones:
Neuropeptides are small molecules that help neurons talk to each other. They send signals throughout your body, triggering various emotions like happiness, sadness, and pain. There are about 100 different types of neuropeptides, and they can help relieve stress and calm you down after a stressful event.
Endorphins, often called our ‘happy’ hormones, are released from the pituitary gland. Known for creating the sensation of an ‘endorphin rush,’ these hormones respond to stress and pain. They interact with brain areas that block these feelings and help control emotions. Endorphins also lower your heart rate and blood pressure, helping you feel more relaxed.
Dopamine plays a big role in motivation and productivity. It travels from the ventral tegmental area to the brain’s pleasure centers, which are responsible for feelings of joy. Besides making you feel good, dopamine sends signals to your muscles to make them move.
Serotonin, found in the brain stem, travels around the brain, visiting the frontal lobe and stopping in the hippocampus. This neurotransmitter helps reduce depression and regulate anxiety. When you smile, the release of serotonin stabilizes your mood and can also help heal wounds by causing arteries to narrow and form blood clots.
Smiling can also improve your physical health by lowering your heart rate, which means your heart isn’t overworking, reducing stress. A recent study confirmed that holding a smile during a stressful situation can benefit your heart. Similarly, endorphins lower your blood pressure.
For mental health, psychologists have found that forcing a smile when you’re feeling down can instantly boost your mood. In fact, one smile can provide the same level of dopamine as up to 2,000 chocolate bars, proving the saying “grin and bear it.”
Smiling is also contagious, thanks to special cells in the brain called mirror neurons. These cells make us mimic the movements of others, spreading happiness around. Pets like dogs, cats, and horses can also sense and respond to a smile.
Interestingly, smiling is the first facial expression babies make. Ultrasound scans have even shown babies smiling in the womb! There are 19 different types of smiles, but only six of them represent happiness. The rest include polite smiles and embarrassed smiles.
Contrary to popular belief, it actually takes more muscles to smile than to frown. However, it feels easier to smile because we’ve mastered those muscles.
So go ahead and smile! Give your hormones a boost and enjoy the benefits every day.