SMILE it's good for you. top 10 benefits

Did you know that that timeless song "Smile (though your hear is aching)" was written by Charlie Chaplin for the movie Modern times in 1936?

This link is to my my favorite version by Madeleine Peyroux.
Michael Jackson and Nat King Cole both did popular versions also.



Did you know that smiling is beneficial to your health?



I looked up the health benefits after reading Thich Nhat Hanh's book Being Peace, which reminded me of the importance of mediatation, breathing, and smiling. I realized how ingrained it is in me not to smile. I've always heard that fun fact about how it takes like 17 muscles to smile, and 80 to frown. This means that it's harder work to frown and stay straight faced all the time, probably an energy drain.

10 benefits of smiling, from an article by Mark Stibich, PHD:

1. Smiling Makes Us Attractive
We are drawn to people who smile. There is an attraction factor. We want to know a smiling person and figure out what is so good. Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away -- but a smile draws them in (avoid these smile aging habits to keep your smile looking great).
2. Smiling Changes Our Mood
Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There's a good chance you mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.
3. 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.
4. Smiling Relieves Stress
Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. 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.
5. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System
Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent the flu and colds by smiling.
6. 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?
7. Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin
Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug.
8. Smiling Lifts the Face and Makes You Look Younger
The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don't go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day -- you'll look younger and feel better.
9. Smiling Makes You Seem Successful
Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and more likely to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.
10. 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.


Other news;

FREE song downloads on my website with mailing list sign up!



If you want to recommend my music at no risk to your friends, they can go to my listening page, punch in their email address there, and then receive free downloads. Of course, if you don't have the songs yet, you can get them too!