Hello Friday - It All Starts With a Smile

Happy Friday! How was your week? I hope GREAT.  Reflect…how often did you smile this past week? You might not remember. Are you smiling right now 😊😊? I hope so! Did you know that the simple act of smiling can boost your mood and even your immune system? Smiles are contagious. Scientist have shown that seeing a smile creates an automatic response in our brain that causes us to smile too; and this response in turn creates positive emotions.  So, what are you waiting for; are you smiling right now 😊 😊? C’mon show us your pearly whites!! 😊

If you’re not convinced yet; here are some other fascinating facts about smiling:

• It costs nothing, and creates much,

• It enriches those who receive it; and even those who give it,

• It happens in a flash, but the memory can last forever,

• Smiles relieve stress (your body releases endorphins when you smile; and even when you fake it this sudden change in mood helps relieve your stress).

Pleasantness begins with a smile and pleasant people are much more enjoyable to be around; right? Working with them is better, buying from them is better, selling to them is better and playing/hanging out with them is better.  There are tons of benefits for both the giver and the receiver of “the SMILE 😊”.  If you are in need of making smiling more of a habit in your life, here are a few ideas I am pulled from the book, “Smile & Move” by Sam Parker:

• Create a few positive mental anchors (a visual of a loved one, a pet, a hilarious joke). Before you make contact with someone, think of the image (which will put a smile on your face) 😊.

• Place a mirror with the word “smile” on your desk or in a common area; use it to check yourself throughout the day or before you make contact with someone😊.

• Post or actually  carry pictures with you that make you smile. Change them periodically so their effect remains fresh. Make one the background on your computer 😊.

• Just before you are about to make contact with someone, imagine you are about to see an old friend you haven’t seen in a long time and remember how lucky you are 😊.

What are you waiting for? Notice how others respond to you and return your smile; which in turn will make you smile more.  The benefits of smiling are endless. It will change your day; it will change your life!

Are you smiling yet?

Have a GREAT day; Have a GREAT weekend.