Smiling really is contagious, and here’s why.

In an article by The Huffington Post, according to Trends in Cognitive Science we tend to mimic the smiles or frowns of others because it helps us better understand what other people are feeling, allowing us to respond appropriately.

Based on their review, the researchers concluded that when we mimic someone else’s facial expression, we trigger that same emotional state in ourselves, which then allows us to formulate an appropriate social response.

There’s Magic in Your Smile!

I really enjoyed this article over at psychologytoday.com written by a guest blogger named Sarah Stevenson. She said that each time you smile you throw a little feel-good party in your brain. The act of smiling activates neural messaging that benefits your health and happiness.

You look better when you smile. 

When you smile, people treat you differently. You’re viewed as attractive, reliable, relaxed and sincere.

Smiling affects those around us.

Each time you smile at a person, their brain coaxes them to return the favor. The world is simply a better place when you smile.

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” ~Thich Nhat Hanh

My Smiles Creation

Last year I painted my second bathroom in a cheerful spring green. I needed a new wall decoration so I browsed the internet for ideas. I ran across a sign that said “Smiles are contagious” and it gave me the inspiration for this creation.

First I glued scrap-book paper to a thick piece of poster board. I drew out my letters for “Smiles” in my writing style.  Next I traced them on pink-striped paper I had glued to poster board and cut them out. Then I mounted them using foam mounts so they’d stand out.  The tiny white flowers on the letters are punched out with a paper punch, with a dot of sparkly nail polish in the center.  I penned the rest of the saying on the green background, and used rick-rack for borders.  The flowers and bugs are pop-up stickers.  They have real squiggly eyes.  I used white spray paint on a wood frame I already had to frame it.  I love it because it’s so fun and cheerful, and it didn’t cost me anything to make it because I used what I already had.

Take a Smile!  : ) It’s free! 

And pass it on!