​Gym Shorts: Be a superhero and smile

Smile! A smile goes a long way to warm the heart, the head and even the body.

I tell jokes just to, hopefully, get a smile from people. I learned early in life that smiling takes the edge off so many things. When someone smiles at you, you’re reminded that, “Hey, there’s a happy person.” Or you may ask yourself, “Why is that person smiling?” Most importantly, you will usually smile back.

It doesn’t take an expert in psychology to know that smiling enhances your positive emotions and leaves you more relaxed. It can also, subconsciously, remove stress. That’s why I think, other than Batman, almost all superheroes smile.

I did a little research on smiling and picked up a book at the Bruce County Public Library in Lucknow, called “Psychology: Why We Smile, Strive, and Sing,” by Julie K. Rubini. The author describes how people’s behaviour, including smiling, is determined by many things – from how they were raised to the people who surround them.

Smiling can be a great greeting. A smile can go a long way to tell us that this is a safe zone, a happy place or space. Think about when you meet new people. You shake their hand at that first introduction and, most likely, also respond with a smile. I mean, when has anyone you’ve greeted for the first time frowned or growled you?

Your smile is a powerful and positive force. Just think of kids when they smile and laugh. Picture that wee baby smiling up at you from your arms, on the TV or even in a picture.

The psychology book talked about the many reasons we may smile. Typically, we smile when we are rewarded with something good, such as a good grade, recognition, when we achieve a personal goal, or get support or praise from family or friends for simply helping them. As a volunteer, I like to think that all volunteers are smiling on the inside as well as the outside for the work and support they give to their communities. The happy dopamine deep in your brain is released and you start to feel good.

So there’s a lot more going on in your body since hormones and serotonin can also affect your behaviour and when you feel good or smile. According to Rubini, serotonin is known as the “happy chemical” because of how it affects your overall mood. I am simplifying here, but roughly translated … for example, when you eat good foods, it helps with your sleep, appetite and mood, and reduces inflammation. That’s serotonin at work.

Studies have also shown that eating well also reduces depression.

When you smile, you are flexing some of the more than 40 muscles in your face. Smiles show when we are happy, amused or delighted, and a smile can even express when we’re embarrassed or confused. Smiling also eventually leaves you with happy lines next to your eyes. I like to think that as you age and experience life around you, the creases you develop around your face and mouth will tend to leave you with these happy lines on your face.

Smiling, which can also lead to laughter, is a great exercise for your facial muscles. Yoga has long included facial stretches to help move and keep muscles and tissue elastic and firm.

I’d recommend trying out smiling more – make it a plan to consciously smile at least 10 times per day. First thing in the morning, try giving yourself a big wide smile in the mirror and watch what happens. You’ll be laughing next!

And the next time you’re at the dentist, you will thank me. I mean keeping your mouth open for that dental check-up or cleaning uses a lot of facial muscle. The more you smile, I’m guessing, the less tired your cheeks will be at the next dental visit.

Other positive things about smiling: It costs you nothing; it creates a happier you; and it tends to rub off on those around you. I also read that a smile can make you look younger.

So don’t forget to be a superhero and smile more.