12 benefits of smiling (psychological and social)
Dental clinic ads remind us constantly that we should have a pretty smile . But the benefits of the smile go much further than what refers to the physical aspect.
While having a sense of humor helps us to connect with others, have a greater connection with other individuals, cope with stress and even improve memory as explained in our article "The 9 benefits of having a sense of humor", the smile, as A visible part of our face and at the same time pleasant, also provides a series of psychological, social and health benefits.
In this article we will delve into these benefits and delve into why we should smile whenever we can.
What are the benefits of smiling
Smiling can seem an involuntary response to something that is funny or makes us feel good; However, it is much more than that. We all smile several times a day, something that is intimately related to happiness. Surely you will have noticed that when another person smiles, their expression is much more pleasant and inspires greater confidence.
Surely you remember those people who always have a smile on their face, something that makes them look younger. But, Have you ever considered what benefits the smile brings? In the following lines of this article you can find the answers to this question.
1. It is associated with the charism
The smile has a great power of attraction towards the people that surround us. In fact, surely you will remember better those individuals who show a big smile, because you will perceive them as closer, more pleasant and this makes you trust them more. That's why people who tend to smile more often are often seen as more charismatic.
In addition, charismatic people present a series of traits and carry out characteristic habits.
- If you want to know more about this, you can read our article: "Charismatic personality: 14 traits and habits"
2. Inspire greater confidence
Scientific studies have proven that when the people we interact with genuinely smile, we trust them more. Trust is an important part of interpersonal relationships , whether they are loved ones, simple acquaintances or people we know for the first time. Smiling attracts our environment and allows us to create a closer connection with the other person.
3. Increase credibility
The smile is also a useful communicative resource if what we want is to increase our image of credibility ; however, when it does not fit the context it can have the opposite effect. The people who smile the most are not only more trustworthy, they show a more credible image.
4. It makes you more accessible
Trust causes us to be more accessible people, which improves our interpersonal relationships. According to scientific studies, people are more willing to engage socially with other people if they smile n . A smile has a great power of attraction, and this facial expression makes other people feel comfortable with us. Facilitate communication
5. It is contagious
Scientific studies have found evidence that the smile is contagious , so it is necessary in relationships with others. This has to do with mirror neurons, which are key in learning, especially in the case of modeling. Smiling, therefore, can make other people smile, which also makes them benefit from the points discussed in this article.
6. Releases substances related to pleasure
The smile seems important to activate some brain areas related to pleasurable behavior, such as the ventral tegmental area. The ventral tegmental area has been key to the survival of the species, since it helps to repeat the behaviors that are pleasing to us. This is mainly due to substances such as endorphins, which are natural analgesics.
7. Increase happiness
A much discussed theory, which is known as the facial feedback hypothesis, states that the smile is key to increase happiness . This is because it stimulates the brain and also releases endorphins and facilitates the synthesis of other substances related to happiness such as serotonin.
8. Relax
According to the previous theory, the smile causes the body to feel more calm and relaxed . This helps to release the tension of the body and, in addition, reduces blood pressure.In this sense, some sources seem to conclude that people who smile more are less likely to suffer a heart attack or other cardiovascular problems.
9. Increase life expectancy
Scientific studies have also found a relationship between smile and life expectancy. An investigation carried out by the Wayne State University of Michigan (United States), in 2010, affirms that the people who smile the most live the longest . Other studies claim that smiling makes us look younger.
10. It makes you feel less stressed
The smile could indirectly contribute to reducing stress levels . As mentioned earlier, it could activate the brain regions related to pleasure and also help to synthesize happiness chemicals. This can be a great resource in stressful situations.
11. Makes you more attractive
Without a doubt, smiling makes us more attractive. If in one of the previous points reference was made to the fact that smiling is a key feature of charismatic people, it also favors physical attractiveness.
12. It's free
In a world where almost everything costs money, the smile is free . So you can smile all you want and benefit from the above points without it being an expense to your economy. There is no excuse not to smile.
