The smile is one of the most universal human expressions known and, in addition to being a clear sign of happiness, according to various scientific research it is the best way to approach life with greater serenity and have positive and beneficial effects on both physical and mental health.
The impact of smiling on the mind and body
According to several scientific explanations, when we smile our brain goes to release neurotransmitters such as endorphins, dopamine and serotonin, i.e. chemical substances that help reduce the feeling of stress and instead improve the feeling of well-being. In fact, endorphins act like gods natural analgesics which relieve the sensation of pain and at the same time dopamine and serotonin go to reduce anxiety and depression levels.
Another chemical that is released during a smile is nitric oxide, a molecule that has the task of dilating blood vessels, consequently improving circulation and allowing blood pressure to be lowered. In this way we can therefore counteract the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Smiling also helps the immune system.
In fact, several studies have shown that smiling and even laughing help produce a greater number of immune cells and antibodies, consequently leading to strengthen the body’s defenses. Precisely this merit, on the “Journal of Psychosomatic Research” research was published which highlighted how people who laugh more frequently have greater activity Natural killer cellsessential for fighting viruses and tumor cells.
Continuing the list of benefits that just a simple smile can bring, there is also the reduction in cortisol levels, or more commonly known as the stress hormone. In fact, having high levels of cortisol can lead to various health problems, such as compromising the immune system, hypertension and even weight gain.
The benefits on mental health are notable: in fact, serotonin, also known as the happiness hormonehas a crucial role in regulating mood and having high enough serotonin levels allows you to run a lower risk of experiencing anxiety and depression.
Smiling helps improve the quality of interpersonal relationships and also acts on longevity. In fact, as regards the first point, smiling and happy people are usually perceived as much friendlier and are therefore able to create social bonds more easily, while at the same time removing loneliness. Finally, some research has highlighted that happy people tend to have a longer life precisely because of all the benefits we just talked about.
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