912-354-9541
The holiday season has arrived! This time of year may bring you excitement and joy, stress, or a strange combination of these emotions. Everyone has that one relative—you know, the one that can make family gatherings awkward, uncomfortable, or even stressful at times. Have you ever heard the phrase “fake it til you make it”? It may come as a surprise, but with smiling, this phrase can be very helpful.
Your Smile’s Effect on Your Emotions
I’m sure you’re aware that when you’re happy, you smile—but did you know that the opposite can also be true? Different studies have been performed that show that smiling can help people feel happier and less stressed. For smiling to have much of an impact on your mood, it needs to be a true smile. In other words, the smile should reach the eyes. Laughing helps to produce a true smile. Find things at your family gatherings that make you smile and laugh.
The Effect of Smiling on Your Brain
When you smile, the brain releases dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin. These molecules fight off stress and transmit happy feelings to the body. Also, studies have shown that when the facial expressions change, the temperature of the blood flowing to the brain is affected. The blood has a lower temperature when an individual is smiling. A cooler brain creates positive emotions.
How Smiling Affects Your Health
The molecules that are released when you smile don’t only affect your mood—they affect your body as well. These molecules not only relax you emotionally, they relax your muscles. They also lower your heart rate and blood pressure. Another perk of smiling is that endorphins are natural painkillers.
Here at Groover Family Dentistry, we are thrilled to give you something to smile about! We welcome you to call our office at 912-354-9541 for more information and to schedule a visit with our dentist in Savannah, GA, Dr. Groover.