Wanting to be happier is a universal trait. It’s rare to find a person whose reply to, “How would you like to feel today?” is, “Morose, please.”
The scientific study of happiness (aka positive psychology) has mushroomed over the last two decades. Major research institutions have taken on substantial and often thought-provoking forays into the joy of joy, with surprising and often enlightening results.
One such study took place in the UK, where researchers used electromagnetic brain scans and heart-rate monitors to generate what they called “mood-boosting values” for different stimuli. In other words, they had participants do, look at, or listen to different things, and measured how happy it made them.
One thing trumped all else. It emerged as giving participants the equivalent level of brain stimulation as up to 2,000 chocolate bars. It was just as stimulating as receiving up to $25,000. What was this magic stimulus?
A smile.
Smiling, as it turns out, has truly remarkable effects. First, doing it actually makes you feel good even if you’re not feeling good in the moment. A 2009 fMRI study out of Echnische Universität in Munich demonstrated conclusively that the brain’s happiness circuitry is activated when you smile (regardless of your current mood). If you’re down, smiling actually prompts your brain to produce feel-good hormones, giving credence to the adage, “fake it til you make it” when it comes to your state of mind.
Smiling is also a predictor of longevity. In a 2010 out of Wayne State University, researchers looked at Major League baseball card photos from 1952. They found that the span of a player’s smile actually predicted his lifespan — unsmiling players lived 72.9 years on average, while beaming players lived a full seven years longer.
Similarly, a 30-year longitudinal study out of UC Berkeley examined the smiles of students in an old yearbook, with almost spooky results. The width of students’ smiles turned out to be accurate predictors of how high their standardized tests of well-being and general happiness would be, how inspiring others would find them, even how fulfilling their marriages would end up. Those with the biggest smiles came up on top in all the rankings.
Finally, research demonstrates that when we smile, we look better to others. Not only are we perceived as more likable and courteous, but those who benefit from our sunny grins actually see us as more competent (something to keep in mind while giving presentations or interacting in the office).
Want to know where you stack up when it comes to smiling? Know this: under 14% of us smile fewer than 5 times a day (you probably don’t want to be in that group). Over 30% of us smile over 20 times a day. And there’s one population that absolutely dominates in the smile game, clocking in at as many as 400 smiles a day: children.
So there you have it: smiling makes you feel good, makes you look good, and gets you a better marriage in the end.
Seems like something to smile about.
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This is the type of ‘research’ you get when opinion and consensus equate to proof.
Last month I was leaving the rink after a game of pickup hockey and a pretty woman glanced at my crotch and smiled, which is the first time that had happened in decades. I was feeling pretty good about myself until I looked down and realized my zipper was down. So, fellas, if you want a great smile from the ladies just walk around with your zipper down. You’re welcome.
Can’t hurt …
I don’t think smirking is the same thing as smiling there Bob.
Just keep Mr. Happy covered and you’re good to go.
“…There are hundreds of languages in the world, but a smile speaks all of them…” — Anonymous
I thought it would be hilarious if this was one of Stucky’s alternative therapy sort of articles (Dr. Mercola can HELP!)
I was looking for the punch line…
“Four out of five Nicks Stuck in New Jersey agree that Masturbation makes you just as happy as eating 2000 chocolate bars especially if it is performed with home distilled cannabis oil!”
hmmmm, can one’s member get “high”?
My Nick thinks so. He’s very picky about what gets rubbed on his “member.”
I thought it was going to talk about dirty socks and the kids being out of the house?
“I was told to beware of anyone that smiles all the time. It means they’re trying to sell you something.”
Like the old saying goes:
Smile a lot – it makes people wonder what you’re up to ☺
https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/food/10369805/mcdonalds-worker-mcnuggets-ten-piece-box/#comments
That explains why I like being around my grandkids- they make me : )
What if your missing some teeth?
Keyser Susie could help you?!
Smiling at people when making eye contact is way underrated.
It costs you nothing, but has benefits.
A great habit to practice and master.
As a giver, you lift yourself.
If not returned, no big loss…you’ve still the achievement of the attempt.
If returned, both giver and recipients benefit, and goodwill is shared.
You never know how helpful this can be, if seldom practiced.
I’d go so far as to suggest a lack of smiling, upon first meeting someone is the primary cause of making a poor first impression.
And, we don’t get a 2nd chance at making a first impression.
So, if we recognize that value upon meeting someone that behooves us to befriend, offer your name as introduction, an extended hand to shake, and a smile with “con mucho gusto”, i.e., “pleased to meet you”
The article mentions children as the ones who smile the most.
As an elder, that might explain why I enjoy the kids more than the adults at most social events.
Most adults are tinged with too much cynicism & skepticism.
Out in public, while waiting in line at checkout, I’ll try to lock in eye contact, and catch the attention of toddlers, with facial features, a smile, or a wave Hello. No words.
It’s a treat, when they return the smile.
Then, if their adult supervisor catches on, they turn to see what the kids is smiling and gazing at.
Then the same smile is given to the adult.
If the adult smiles back, a word compliment about the kid is given. “Cutey”, or some such.
If the adult frowns, or looks away without smiling back, then I disengage, as the adult suspicion takes over. Sad.
In this day and age, the suspicion of friendly strangers has caused people to become cold toward one another.
Perhaps from previous bad experience, and if so, the reaction is understandable. But also unhealthy, from the over protective caution and shielding.
Such is the fallout, from evil people who cause the little ones to stumble.
Nevertheless, I continue that smile-eye contact projection toward kids.
When the smile connection flows, it is a small God moment that is magic, and warms the heart of this crusty old goat, in an otherwise cold, confrontational world.
Give someone a smile today.
It might erupt into laughter, giggles, or cement a friendship bond that He would approve of.
“This is My command. Love one another”
John 15: 17
Well said, Suds. Seldom does a child not smile when they see a happy face looking at them. It always brightens my day when they return the smile.
I find common ground w you TN. If inclined, ping Admin for my e-address, and I’ll respond to an off platform comm path introduction.
Pretty sure he knows me moniker. Cheers.
I remember when you said those same words to me….you little trollop…
Yeah, me too. Thought that much good came from it, too.
Until I dug into a dictionary.
Yup. Had to look that one up.
Helluva jab.
Eating 2,000 chocolate bars gives one an upset stomach, not happiness.
?
It is a rare day I do not consume dark chocolate…made a pig of myself today…and it made me smile!!!
If you see a person without a smile – give them one of yours!