Five Facts About A Smile You Probably Didn't Know:
A smile is our first facial expression
It is easier to smile than to frown
Smiling is the universal sign of happiness
To form a smile, it takes at least 5 facial muscles
There are 19 different types of smiles
Throughout this journey of understanding "the smile effect," I have come to conclude something. Smiling undoubtedly makes our lives better, and in more than one aspect. It makes us look and feel good, and it makes others smile which causes them look and feel good too.
In the article "The Untapped Power Of Smiling" by Eric Savitz, he includes a study done by Penn State University that confirmed that when we smile we not only appear more likeable and courteous, but we're actually perceived to be more competent.
Savitz also includes a 2010 Wayne State University research project that examined the baseball cards photos of Major League players in 1952. The study found that the span of a player's smile could actually predict the span of his life. Players who didn't smile in their pictures lived an average of only 72.9 years, while players with beaming smiles lived an average of 79.9 years.
A smile has proven its usefulness throughout the test of time. Smiling has helped people increase their health, get job promotions, live longer lives, have longer lasting marriages, and many other amazing things!
Another reason to smile has to do with the phrase "fake it until you make it." This phrase is commonly used to motivate people to get through the difficult times. Whether you are in medical school trying to become a doctor, having family issues, or dealing with pain, putting on a fake smile is shown to make those rough situations a little bit easier.
So the question is......what isn't there to smile about?
"If you don't have a smile, I'll give you one of mine." -Unknown