The Power of a Smile

Did you realize that something as simple as a smile can have a powerful effect on our brains? I recently read about a study where two groups were asked to complete certain tasks. One group was told to smile while they worked, whether they felt like smiling or not.

Guess what? The smiling group completed the tasks faster and better. Even those that smiled without feeling it.

“Smiling activates tiny molecules in your brain that are designed to fend off stress. These molecules, called neuropeptides, facilitate communication between neurons in your brain. Also, when you smile, your brain releases dopamine, endorphins and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are associated with lowering your anxiety and increasing feelings of happiness. In fact, serotonin is often the chemical that anti-depressant medications attempt to regulate. This natural, feel-good chemical cocktail that your brain serves up helps you feel happier and more relaxed, and it can even lower your heart rate and blood pressure."
https://www.verywellmind.com/mark-stibich-4781224

I’m amazed that even a fake smile can change the way you think and feel and eventually trigger all those positive neurotransmitters mentioned above.

God gave us the gift of smiling and laughter. He is the One that designed our bodies and our brains to respond the way they do. God’s Word declares that “A cheerful heart is good medicine,” (Proverbs 17:22)

Smiling and even laughing shouldn’t be a Pollyanna response to life. Neither should it be a stick-your-head-in-the-sand response. It should be a response of delightful freedom that comes when we see things in their proper perspective. God is still on the throne. He rules and we are His children if we’ve said yes to His provision through Jesus. (For more about that, see my blog from October 5th, 2020.)

We live and operate in this world, under this political system but ultimately we are part of the Kingdom of God. And that Kingdom is the one that will reign in the end and for eternity.

So exercise this healing gift and share it with others. It can bring healing to our minds. It can bring healing to our bodies. And it can bring healing to our relationships.