A smile can be a defining facial feature, like a person’s eyes. Genuine, heartfelt smiles born out of amusement or warmheartedness are contagious. Whether they stem from seeing others smile, our smile can contribute to how attractive we are considered to be by others. In many cases, a person who smiles often may be regarded as more attractive and approachable than someone who doesn’t smile frequently. The self-awareness of how attractive one’s smile is can be beneficial, too. It’s common for people who feel good about their smiles to have increased happiness and self-confidence. These individuals tend to smile more. To smile without even realizing they’re smiling.
Many of us smile multiple times a day without even realizing it. So it may come as a surprise to learn that there is an entire day devoted to the practice. This year, October 7th is World Smile Day, a special day dedicated to celebrating the everyday action of smiling. However, we believe that this “holiday” should be celebrated all month long (or even all year).
At Pure Health Center, we offer counseling for individuals, couples, teens, children and families, and working professionals, encouraging them to achieve the meaningful personal and professional relationships and happiness they deserve. We help clients develop healthier thought and behavior patterns and implement coping mechanisms that allow them to have enhanced daily functioning and more reasons to smile each day. Our licensed therapists recognize the psychology and importance of smiling and the physical and mental health benefits of smiling described in this blog.
World Smile Day celebrates smiles, happiness, and kindness from one person to another. It honors the legacy of the artist who created the smiley face, the late Harvey Ball. The smiley face created by Harvey Ball in 1963 is a recognizable, lasting symbol of happiness, goodwill, and good cheer. Ball watched his design become over-commercialized and overused in the market and decided that we should devote one day to celebrating the true meaning behind the smiley face. He decided that every year, the first Friday in October would be World Smile Day, a declaration the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation makes come to life each year. On this day, everyone is encouraged to devote themselves to smiles and acts of kindness in and out of their communities.
Smiles are important for many reasons—one being what they mean to us and allow us to convey. Smiles can serve as expressions of our feelings. They successfully showcase kindness, happiness, amusement, and pride.
That said, smiles can also stem from social interactions. They can be polite greetings and nothing more. Positive interactions with others can garner smiles, for sure. But, so can interactions where we force smiles, aiming to look approachable. Smiles may also be our go-to coping tool we use in uncomfortable situations, where we may even laugh out of nervousness, embarrassment, or fear. Clearly, there is a lot more reason to smile than we think.
Celebrating World Smile Day can be rewarding because smiling makes you feel good. Smiling can be a natural antidote that gives the mind and body a boost. One of the greatest mental health benefits of smiling is that this upward turn of the lips initiates the release of three hormones: dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. As a result of smiling:
You may have plenty of reasons to smile if you’re living comfortably and enjoying your personal, professional, or academic life. Perhaps you’re experiencing growth and triumphs within yourself and in your relationships. Maybe you’re achieving success at home and in the workplace or school. You’ll likely find it natural and easy to smile on World Smile Day and every day. You’ll probably find you can’t help but smile in counseling sessions with a licensed therapist—sessions you attend despite not facing a crisis because therapy can be beneficial even when you aren’t struggling to handle your life circumstances.
But you may find it hard to smile if you face many struggles. You may find yourself forcing a smile or two because you don’t think you have any reasons to do so naturally. Our compassionate, skilled therapists at Pure Health Center reassure clients that this is okay, too. Even if you don’t have a positive reason to smile at the moment, perhaps choosing to smile is the positive experience you need. You’re still being honest with yourself and your circumstances even when you find it within yourself to smile and laugh during challenges.
Our center is a judgment-free space where clients gain insight into, process, and change problematic thinking and actions. Through evidence-based treatment, they’re encouraged to replace them with healthier, positive coping mechanisms that suit their unique emotional and mental health needs. Reach out to us today for the emotional and mental health treatment, support, and empowerment you deserve. For the healing that allows you to recognize reasons to smile and reap the mental health benefits of smiling.
