When we’re happy, we smile- well, most of us, anyway. It’s just a natural, almost involuntary response to feeling good. That’s why I was surprised to learn that smiling can actually make you feel good, if you weren’t already! In fact, there are a lot of ways that smiling is good for you, and here they are:

1. Releases endorphins: Yes, those endorphins! The hormones that make you feel good are released when you smile, even when you’re faking, a good reason to fake it til you make it.
2. Reduces pain: Endorphins also act as a natural pain killer.
3. Reduces stress and anxiety: Smiling also reduces production of cortisol, the stress hormone.
4. Get more oxygen: Laughing is related to smiling and it’s also really good for you. Laughing expands your lungs and gets more oxygen to your brain.
5. Strengthens your immune system: Smiling makes you produce more white blood cells.
6. Makes you more attractive: Studies show that people who smile are more attractive. They also appear more confident.
7. Makes you look approachable and trustworthy: This is important in relationships and for advancing in your career. Basically for success in almost anything.
8. It’s a good leadership technique: Another key to success.
9. Increases productivity and motivation: Important for getting your stuff done.
10. It’s contagious: When you smile you’ll make others happy, too.
11. Retrains your brain: As a defense mechanism, our brains are wired to see negativity. By smiling often you can retrain your brain to be positive.
12. Makes you look younger: And who doesn’t want that?
13. Makes you live longer: Studies show that people who smile live longer.

Amazing, isn’t it? Kind of makes you want to smile!