Gestures are the way we maintain non-verbal contact with everyone. Since humans are social animals, social interactions and gestures build up the foundation of the very existence of our species. However, these gestures and their meanings vary with the cultures and so do languages. Out of all these, there’s one thing that remains constant and that is a smile. A pleased, kind, or amused facial expression which solves all of our problems in a moment.
“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness"
-William Arthur Ward
Smile is a small word, yet holds the power to change everything around an individual. A smile acts as a message of positivity, hope and happiness. Going around the room as a generous gesture, it cheers up the moods of everyone with its contagious nature. An instant mood lifter, this is an amazing tool for healing.
Smiling is known to have many surprising health benefits as well. These benefits have been proven by many of the studies conducted around the world.
• Reducing blood pressure.
Some studies reveal that smiling increases the heart rate initially but eventually relaxes the heart muscles thus leading to better health and lower blood pressure.
• Reducing Stress
Smiles are a great way to take our mind off the things which have been bothering us. In vulnerable environments like hospitals and special homes, we often face situations full of stress and smiling is always a good way to keep up the spirits high to improve and fasten the healing process.
• Relieving Pain
Smiling and laughing reduces body aches and pains. Smiling release endorphins in the body which are also known as the feel-good chemical of the body. This is why, laughter is the best medicine.
• Boosting Immune system
Smiling helps to boost an individual’s immunity and increases the immune cells, antibodies which fight infections and thus increasing the ability to fight diseases.
The Diversity of a Smile
These are not just limited to an individual and their close surroundings. One smile on someone’s face can make the other person’s day too. Right from schools to hospitals to old age homes and to workplaces; smiling helps everyone in many ways which we do not realise physically but our mind acknowledges the positive change, ultimately resulting in physical well being. The experience in itself is wonderful. Try it and observe how instantly mood changes and body starts feeling lighter when we smile & laugh even during a tough time. One smile and the air in the surroundings feel different. The stressful environment’s effect on the brain is taken over by the happiness one experiences just by smiling.
Think of a small child, if you wish to understand the importance of this amazing gesture, think of how you feel around them. Children smile about 400 times a day whereas an average adult smiles only 20 to 40 times. It is clear what this indicates - Happiness and joy free of all apprehensions of the world. This is one of the many reasons we feel happy and uplifted near small children. A happy face can make our day and help with many obstacles we face in our day to day life.
Next time you feel low or are in a troublesome situation, try to smile and experience its power. It is not easy to be cheerful all the time but we can always give it a try and adapt. After all it is just a matter of a SMILE
So, don’t forget to smile!
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