When you see a smile on someone’s face, you automatically start smiling yourself, since happiness, and not just yawning, can be contagious. Behind this simple gesture are numerous scientific studies that have shown how happiness and smiling have a significant and lasting impact on both physical and mental health.
4 aspects that benefit from a simple smile
First of all, a smile is able to activate the release of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin and endorphins, which both improve mood and act as natural analgesics, thus reducing perception. of pain. The first two are also fundamental for regulating the sleep-wake cycle, for improving attention and memory.
Being happy and feeling good also affects the immune system, given that happy people have lower levels of cortisol, a hormone that can cause stress and suppress immune functions. In fact, those who have a positive and happy attitude produce more antibodies and are consequently better protected from viruses and bacteria. Furthermore, happiness and smiles are associated with increased production of natural killer cells, crucial in the defense against viruses and tumors.
What if I told you that a smile can also protect your cardiovascular health? In fact, laughter and positivity are also linked to a reduction in blood pressure and an improvement in vascular function: consequently the heart is able to pump more blood, improving tissue oxygenation and at the same time the release of endorphins helps to maintain tight and flexible blood vessels, as it is a natural vessel dilator.
Finally, feeling good and happy has significantly positive effects on longevity, which have been documented in several studies. In fact, those who have a more positive attitude towards life tend to live longer than those who are unhappy or particularly stressed. Feeling good about yourself and others helps reduce risky behaviors, such as smoking, alcohol abuse and substance abuse, and on the other hand helps promote healthy behaviors and habits, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise.
And did you have any idea that just with a smile you can get all these benefits?
