A Few Reasons to Smile

SMILE. Research has found that most workers don't smile until 11:16am on Mondays. That's no way to live life, people. #SmileNowSmileOften

I tweeted this on Monday because I read an article about the "Monday Blues" and thought this statistic was crazy. I mean how pathetic is it that the average adult doesn't smile until several hours into the day. There's so many reasons to smile. And according to this Ted Talk, the simple act of smiling is pretty powerful.

In fact, one of the best reasons to show your grin is to extend your life. Yep, you heard right. Smiling can add years to your life. Furthermore, the span of your smile can literally determine the span of your life – so don't be ashamed of that "big smile" people poke fun about.

A million dollar smile. We hear this expression all the time, but did you know smiling produces the same amount of pleasure-inducing hormones as receiving $2500. Smiling also results in positive brain stimulation that mimics the same pleasure-inducing stimulation of eating chocolate.

Smiling also reduces stress-enhancing hormones, and you appear more likable, courteous, and competent to others.

So do yourself a favor and smile early and smile often. And never pass up an opportunity to smile – even smiling when you feel like crying can literally turn your frown upside down.