We spend trillions of dollars every year in the U.S. alone, trying to boost our health. Between supplements, fitness routines, gyms and health care, it all adds up fast. There are many ways you can save money and boost your health at the same time. There are even a few free things you can do. One of the easiest free means to boost your health, your mood, your longevity and even your success is to smile. Here are seven reasons to grin:
- Lowers your heart rate – Smiling slows the heart and relaxes the body.
- Reduces your stress – Stress is a common problem in the modern world that causes a myriad of health problems.
- Improves your mood – Feeling down? Slap a smile on your face, even if it isn’t entirely genuine at first, and turn your entire day around with something simple, easy to do and free.
- Increases your productivity – Smiling has been shown to increase productivity while performing tasks. Smiling sharpens our attention, opening us up to multitasking.
- Elicits more empathy – When we’re embarrassed or caught doing something questionable, often our first response is a smile.
- Reduces your pain – Smiling and laughter both have been shown to lessen pain. They release endorphins that lift our moods and can serve as natural painkillers, too.
- It’s contagious! – Around 50% of people smile back. Smiling spreads health benefits to those around you and those benefits cycle back to you several times as well.
So, keep smiling!