Do you smile enough?

I sure don’t, but I try and remind myself to smile more often.

Not only is it a positive thing to do, but when we smile a full sincere smile (a Duchenne smile) science has shown that it releases endorphins in our body.

Endorphins are responsible for making us feel happy, and they also help lower stress levels.

In Thich Nhat Hanh’s home and temple in France, every time the temple bells ring his students are reminded to take a moment to mindfully breathe in, breathe out, and smile.

In other words, to this well know Buddhist monk and mindfulness teacher, smiling is as important as mindfulness and breathing.

And there’s more! You see, smiling can also be contagious.

Have you ever noticed how smiling at someone very often makes them instantly smile back?

So.. starting now, smile more often – and you’ll not only be happier yourself, but you might end up spreading that happiness to those around you!

“Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful.”
– Thich Nhat Hanh

Does smiling make you happy? Leave a smiley below in the comment section!