A smile is one of the most simple, inexpensive and wonderful things in the world. Smiling happens without much thought. It is very natural response that shares our happiness with others. Still, often we forget about this one powerful action while we get lost in the details of today and tomorrow.

A smile denotes many things including pleasure, happiness, contentment or just simply having the feeling that you are okay. There are days when it seems harder to smile than others, but did you know that smiling actually has benefits? It really takes more muscles to frown than to smile. Here are some reasons why we should smile!

1. Smiling makes us more attractive – People who smile seem more attractive than those who don’t smile. Ever wonder why are we always asked to smile in photos? Because people usually look their best and happiest when smiling.

2. 2. Smiling exudes positivity – When we see someone unhappy and depressed, sometimes words are not enough to soothe them. A smile often helps a lot to improve their outlook and their feeling that things will get better.

3. Smiling is infectious – Try smiling at people, and you will see them smiling back at you. There is a certain magic that fills the air when someone smiles at you. It somehow changes the mood of others around us.

4. Smiling reduces stress – Our emotions usually show on our faces, and when we are stressed or worried we often frown. Smiling helps uplift our spirits and allows us to look at the world in a positive way.

5. A smile can brighten another person’s day. Just like words are a verbal gesture, a smile is a silent gesture that shows another person that we care.

6. Smiling is a natural drug – Smiling releases endorphins and serotonin in our bodies which are known to help us feel good naturally.

7. Smiling denotes forgiveness and openness to forgive – When we have a spat with someone, or when we are not on good terms with someone, it is difficult to smile. A smile is gesture that signals to others that we are open to forgive and/or ask for forgiveness.

8. Smiling allows us to appear self-confident – People who smile usually have good reasons for doing so. They are more approachable and easy to deal with. People are drawn to them naturally.

9. Smiling brings us closer to our friends and family – Who wants to be with people who are always unhappy? No one. It is okay to be unhappy sometimes since it is normal when we are in situations that we cannot help but be unhappy. However, people often are drawn to those who have a good outlook on life. They know that even if life is not perfect, smiling somehow sends the message that life is good!

Smiling is free. There are so many health benefits that we can derive from a simple smile!