THE EDITOR In the midst of winter, with more gray skies than blue, what helps to lift your spirit? Sure, many of us would agree that a getaway to a beach or warm climate does the trick. But how about something that will provide more immediate gratification? The more you smile, the easier it becomes and the happier you will be. And, the energy we send out will come back, which will make us want to smile. To help lift your spirit, just smile. Smiling makes us look and feel more attractive, changes our mood, is contagious, relieves stress, boosts our immune system, lowers our blood pressure, is a natural drug, makes us feel confident and successful, and helps us stay positive. There is no downside – just smile! To those who smile often, you most likely recognize the benefits. To those who don’t, it’s something easy that can be done to improve your mood and attitude. It is often said that smiling is the best medicine. Mark Stibich, PhD, a behavior-change expert with experience in helping individuals make lasting lifestyle changes, says: n Smiling makes us more attractive. We are drawn to people who smile because they’re warmer to approach, and we want to figure out what is so good. Smiles draw us in. When people frown or scowl, they push us away. n Smiles change our mood. Next time you are feeling down, try smiling. There’s a good chance you mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood. n Smiling is contagious. When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them. Smile lots and you will draw people to you. n Smiling relieves stress. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you’ll be better able to take action. n Smiling boosts your immune system. When you smile, immune function improves because you are more relaxed. n Smiling lowers your blood pressure. When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference? n Smiling is a natural drug. Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together, these three make us feel good. n Smiling lifts the face and makes you look younger. The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Try smiling your way through the day – you’ll look younger and feel better. n Smiling makes you seem successful. Smiling people appear more confident, and are more likely to be promoted and approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently. n Smiling helps you stay positive. Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It’s hard. When we smile our body is sending the rest of us a message that “Life is Good!” Stay away from depression, stress and worry by smiling. The benefits of smiling aren’t limited to face-toface interactions. If we smile while talking on the phone, the other person will feel our smile and our confidence. Our intentions come across in the signals we send, and smiles generally come across as genuine friendliness. It feels good to smile, and it also makes the person you’re smiling at feel good. If you smile often, recognize the benefits. If you don’t, then practice! The more you smile, the easier it becomes and the happier you will be. And, the energy we send out will come back, which will make us want to smile. Letter from By Debby Zelman Rapoport February 2015 n Beachwood Buzz 3