Stress less, smile more

BY SYLVESTER OJENAGBON

There is no denying the fact that times are tough. Unfortunately, our situations seem to be compounded by the fact that our struggles to beat or survive the tough times are robbing us of many things: Our hope. Our self-esteem. Our sense of control. Our peace. Our joy. Our laughter. And even our smile.  

If the truth were told, you would realise that smiling in or through a storm or tough situation

has a way of strengthening us. It can provide us with another perspective, a perspective different from what the storm or adverse situation intends. And it has the potential to benefit our health. 

Now, one dictionary defines a smile as a pleased, kind, or amused facial expression, typically with the corners of the mouth turned up and the front teeth exposed. Another defines it as a facial expression in which the eyes brighten and the corners of the mouth curve slightly upward, and which expresses especially amusement, pleasure, approval, or sometimes scorn. Yet another states that people smile when they are pleased or amused, or when they are being friendly. Interestingly, the Merriam-Webster dictionary has an entry that describes “smile” as “a pleasant or encouraging appearance”.

The word “smile” has a rich and intricate history, tracing its roots back to the shared linguistic origins of many languages. A smile then, is a universal, non-verbal gesture that conveys friendliness, warmth, and openness. 

The question is: why do some people not smile at all or smile often? The reasons are many and varied. Some may be naturally shy or have low self-esteem, and this makes them less inclined to smile. Some might be self-conscious of their teeth or other physical characteristics; this impacts their willingness to smile. Some people may simply not feel the need to smile in every social situation. 

Not smiling can also be influenced by cultural and social influences. People raised in families or cultures where smiling is not common may be less inclined to smile. Historically, wide smiles were sometimes seen as signs of madness, loudness, or lewdness. Even today, the trend of appearing serious or “no-nonsense” in photographs, while sometimes driven by a desire to project a serious image, can also lead to a refusal to smile. 

There are also physical and medical reasons why some people do not smile. Moebius syndrome, a rare genetic condition, can cause paralysis of the facial muscles, making it impossible to smile, frown, or raise eyebrows. Certain neurological or muscular conditions can also affect facial expressions, including smiling. 

In addition, there are situational factors why people do not smile. One of them is formal or serious settings in which smiling might not be considered appropriate. People may also just want some focus and concentration; they may be so focused on a task that they do not consciously register or feel the need to smile. 

Sometimes, people’s emotional state determines whether or not they smile. Sadness, stress, or fatigue can affect people’s willingness to smile.

Despite the many reasons for not smiling, it is better to do so and do so intentionally, as research has shown that smiling benefits your mental and physical health in multiple ways. One study, for example, found that smiling can help people lower their heart rate and recover from stress faster. According to the Association for Psychological Science, smiling during brief stressors can help to reduce the intensity of the body’s stress response, regardless of whether a person feels happy. Even a fake smile has been found to offer some health benefits, although genuine smiles are generally more effective.

Smiling can likewise enhance your mood, as it releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects, thus helping to alleviate stress and anxiety. Walden University suggests that it can reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, leading to a decrease in overall stress levels. 

Smiling can even help rewire your brain to maintain a more positive outlook; it can equally make you appear more confident, approachable, and trustworthy. 

It has similarly been found that smiling can help lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. According to Christie Brinkley, smiling releases the same feel-good hormones you get while jogging. It has equally been found that smiling releases endorphins, which are natural pain relievers. 

Smiling can also boost the immune system, as it can stimulate the release of serotonin, which may help strengthen your immune system. It has similarly been found to relax facial muscles and even reduce tension in other parts of the body. It can even make you appear more attractive and friendly, thus more appealing to others.

Apart from the benefits accruing to you from smiling, your smile can also be of benefit to others. Whether you are facing personal challenges or grappling with the prevailing global crises, the warmth conveyed through a smile has the amazing ability to comfort and reassure. In that sense, it serves as a silent communicator that lets others know they are not alone in their struggles. In the words of Joyce Edwards, “A smiling face becomes an inspiration for those around, creating a ripple effect of positivity. It motivates others to face challenges with courage and optimism. The contagious nature of a smile can uplift entire communities, fostering a collective resilience that propels society forward even in the face of adversity.” 

So, have you been feeling held down by life’s many challenges and are losing your swag and wearing a frown like a badge of honour? It is time to fight back with this potent but little-acknowledged weapon. Add smiles to your daily routine. Aim to smile more often, targeting at least a few extra smiles every day, even if they are not all genuine. This can trick your brain into releasing “happy” chemicals, which can improve your mood and overall well-being. At the end of the day, your health and the people you come in contact with will thank you for it. 

Ojenagbon, a health communication expert, lives in Lagos.