When our children were little and we wanted them to do something, we would ask them to try. However, in our house trying was often never enough; unless you actually took some action and did something. To assist us we had a little song we would sing to them, and eventually with them that went something like this, “Try with a smile on your face, try with a smile on your face, try with a smile, try a little while, try with a smile on your face.” Now this silly little song was not meant to be good, however, it was effective. What I think made it effective was requesting that they actually do something. And, in this case the something was smile.
So the question for you today is, do you try with a smile on your face? You know that it actually requires more muscles to frown than it does to smile? It seems there is a debate in the medical field over exactly how many muscles it takes, but the point is, smiling takes less effort.
In yoga and meditation it’s often recommended that you smile during your session to increase the sensation of pleasure that is communicated to your brain. Smiling also tends to lift your mood and triggers your brain into releasing chemicals enhancing your disposition and counteracting many of the negative effects of stress and depression. And, I’m certain that none of you have ever experienced either of these. :-)
Smiling appreciates your face value making you more approachable and giving the impression of likability. Individuals who smile more appear more confident, open and accepting, which for anyone in business is essential. If you’re in human services, or education it’s vital. If you want to engage in any family or social group, it increases your potential for interaction. And it’s free!
Smiling also influences others into repeating the same behavior. Your brain tends to record the facial expressions of others, and they tend to mimic what they see in you. This is the reason that viewing violent video games and movies can be so detrimental by causing us to be less empathetic and caring. Yet, when we express kindness and smiles, we actually enhance the mood of others by creating the desire for them to smile too. If you are having difficulty in bringing a smile to your face, pick up a pen or pencil and place it gently between your teeth. Please refrain from biting down hard. We don’t want anyone to get hurt. Hold it gently and notice that it forces your face into a smiling position. Even though it may not be an authentic smile, it will begin to communicate the physical action to your brain and actually begin to improve your mood. I hope this reminds you to smile, that it helps you to improve your day, influence others in a positive way, and helps you to try with a smile on your face.
Be well,
John
www.krigerconsulting.com
