subject: Understanding The Power Of A Smile [print this page] Smiling is one of the most powerful instinctive human responses, and by far one of the most pleasant. There are so many reasons why we should all smile a little more throughout the day.
After all, what could be more simple and yet so powerful? One benefit is that people are naturally drawn to someone with a glad, joyous expression on their faces.
It creates an energy which draws people to you. People will look forward to being around you, knowing only that they feel great around you.
We all like and want to be around happy and cheerful people, right? You will feel more positive about yourself and the world.
A smile is an expression of happiness and joy in you. Like an upward spiral, it will boost the happiness you feel.
Believe it or not, it can affect your internal state, which can have physiological impact on your physical and mental health. It is very welcoming, and will make people feel more at ease, almost immediately.
It has the power to make other people feel good about themselves. It is heart-warming, and has the power to cheer up others instantly.
Others can quickly and easily catch it, and will experience the above 'side effects.' You know those times when you cross paths with a stranger, or accidentally catch someone's gaze, and you suddenly look away, or pretend we are looking at something else?
Well, the challenge is to give them a big smile. A genuine one, showing teeth and everything.
After all, it does not cost us anything. Plus, it's a lot more fun than feeling awkward and pretending you're not there.
You know that half smile we give people when we're trying to be polite? Like on an elevator, bumping in someone at the front door, or waiting in line.
Why not practice giving them a real one? It will be less awkward, and you can potentially make someone's day, or even a new friend.
Living under a routine, we can easily be in a zombie-like state when coming into work. We zip into work quickly following the same routines we have habituated.
Our target is to get to work, and we can sometimes forget about the people around us, in other cubes/offices/departments. So, the challenge is to practice beaming with a big toothy grin as you come into work.
Be genuine with people you meet. Be completely pleased to see them.
Make it a focus for the day, to bring more happiness into the lives of others. Ask them genuinely and infused with energy how they are.
Watch the smiles surface on their face. It will make your day, as well as their own.
When meeting or encountering people, look for things you admire or like about them, however small, and let them know. A small genuine compliment can go a long way to lift people's spirits.
For two weeks, record the moments that brought a grin to your face. If you are ever feel down, flip through this book to be reminded of things that make you happy.
Experience those moments, and notice your state shift to a positive one. You cannot be both angry and smiling at the same time.
If the physical action conflicts with that of your feeling, the feeling inside will shift to match that of your outer sensation. One way to shift your emotion is to change your physiology.
Identify things that you are grateful for. Then focus on those things as much as possible-you may be surprised at the endless list you can come up with, even on a bad day.
Make a point to watch a comedy movie-or even to go to a comedy club. Hang out with people who make you laugh.
When we feel more connected with ourselves, we feel more joy and tend to naturally show we are pleased more. Observe a small child or a pet at play with total ease and freedom.
Watch their innocence, enjoy their presence, and your own. Are you smiling?
Do you feel happy for them? That is because you are connecting with the same innocence within yourself.
Take the time to create more happiness in your life. After all, for the most part, it is up to us to create the life we want.
