The Magical Effects of Smiling (How Smiling Affects the Brain)
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Did you know that each time we smile a release of neuropeptides which work toward fighting off stress is activated? Neuropeptides are very small molecules which allow our neurons to communicate. They send messages to our bodies when we are excited, depressed, happy, sad, etc.
Our feel good chemicals, serotonin, dopamine and endorphins are released every time we smile.
When we smile, the serotonin which is released acts as an anti-depressant and endorphins act as natural pain relievers; our heart rate and blood pressure decreases and our bodies relax.
A wise saying states that smiling is contagious. Research indicates that this statement is true. The cingulate cortex region of our brains is responsible for our facial expressions. Since it is an unconscious, automatic response area, research shows that when others smile at us our brains mimic their behavior. In this way, smiling creates harmonious relationships and allows senders and receivers to release calming & natural feel-good chemicals in our brains; it also activates the reward centers. Smiling makes us more attractive and as research indicates smiling also helps us live longer, happier and healthier lives.
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Peace & Blessings, (video below)
At any given time there are about 7 billion human beings on the planet. Because there are so many of us, it can sometimes feel as though we aren't special even though we truly are. All of us are unique; in fact, none of us have the same fingerprints. Everyone has a different way to express and/or share gifts/talents. However, when we become inundated with social comparisons, especially upward comparisons, we can become trapped into thinking that everyone else has it better. These conflicting comparisons may equate to, "I'm not good enough" and other self-esteem crushing thoughts which can lead to negative behaviors and feelings of shame and guilt or sadness.
With the prevalence of social media, self-esteem can be affected both positively and negatively as outlined through, social comparison theory which summarizes two comparison theories; upward and downward. Upward comparisons occur when comparing ourselves to those we believe have more or are making out better in life which may aid in lowering self-esteem. Downward comparisons happen when comparing ourselves to people whom we believe are not doing as well in hopes of feeling better and/or increasing self-esteem.
If we could all pause for a moment, take a deep breath, find one thing in our lives that is going well and focus on it - our attention would shift from what does not feel good to, what is actually going well. As research has taught us, energy flows where attention goes. Doing this will free up mental space to release us from the imprisonment of mental chatter about what may appear to not be going well, unrealistic expectations, scary deadlines and so forth. Likewise, in these moments, we may be reminded that things actually do work out well for us, "too." Using this approach invites clarity as a spring board to move us from the current position back to the journey we set out on initially which will take us closer to the attainment of goals.
What if things are actually working in your favor? What if you were actually moving closer to your goals right now and the current situation you may be "moving through" is temporary and is simply an appearance right now? In flying from Los Angeles to Philadelphia annually for about consecutive 18 years, I can attest that while most landings were smooth, others were bumpy. We flew over water for hours and many times the turbulence was frightening. The airplanes took off from a long stretch of runway and landed on them as well. Thankfully, there was never a time when pilots vocalized over the speaker that they were just going to give up and turn around because the trip was taking too long or land wasn't in sight. In other words, our goals may sometimes seem insurmountable, at times things may seem so bumpy that we may want to give up however, we will never know if we do not try. My mother taught me a valuable lesson. She said that when setting a goal, "If you look at the whole picture it can seem overwhelming and make you want to get in the bed and go to sleep." My mom further stated that if the goal is broken down into achievable steps and completed in small pieces at a time, it will be done before you know it.
Nothing and no one else is you. No one compares to the beautiful and unique soul that you are, literally. It's okay to be yourself, everyone else is taken. After all, when could there possibly be a better time to believe in yourself? ...the time is now, right now. Remember that you are enough. I believe in you, join me.
Warmly,
Dr. Joy Liani Hallman/Self-Esteem Expert
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