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Today is World Smile Day, but unlike many international days, there are reasons behind it.
Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Worcester, Massachusetts, created Smiley in 1963.
This has profound implications for the things we’re used to seeing in our daily lives – think social media, messaging and emoji as notable examples.
However, Ball became concerned about the over-commercialization of his logo.
So Ball came up with the idea of World Smile Day.
His idea is to spend one day every year smiling and doing good things all over the world.
Ball tragically passed away in 2001, but World Smile Day still exists to honor his legacy and remind us that in a world filled with so much negativity — kindness and happiness can still flourish.
When is World Smile Day?
Ball announced that the first Friday of every October would be World Smile Day.
It continues every year in Smiley’s hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts, and around the world.
World Smile Day started in 1999.
What is the science behind smiling?
The science behind our smiles stems from the production of endorphins.
Endorphins are neurotransmitters, chemicals that transmit signals from one neuron to the next.
Neurotransmitters play an integral role in our central nervous system.
Endorphins are produced in response to certain situations, such as stress, fear or pain.
Endorphins stop pain, but they’re also responsible for our sense of pleasure.
For example, endorphins are released when we exercise in the bedroom or engage in certain activities.
They are released from the pituitary gland, spinal cord, and other parts of the brain and nervous system.
The link between smiling and endorphins is when we’re in a happy environment — these neuronal signals are sent to our facial muscles to trigger a smile.
This triggers the onset of positive emotions.
Interestingly, when our smiling muscles contract, they send a signal to the brain that stimulates our reward system. This has a positive multiplier effect; increasing our endorphin levels.
What are the benefits of smiling?
Showing off your pearl white has many advantages.
A smile can be a greeting, a sign of humor, flirtation, embarrassment, or even anger.
Dr. Khaled Kasem, chief orthodontist at Impress, Europe’s leading orthodontic chain, reveals why smiling for a few minutes a day is good for you and everyone around you.
Smiling can reduce stress
“When we smile, it helps our bodies release dopamine and serotonin, which can elevate your mood,” he says.
“The happier you are, the less stress you feel, and the more stress, the more damage to your teeth.
“For example, extra tension on the muscles can lead to involuntary bruxism – also known as bruxism – which can cause cracks and debris to appear in the teeth.
“That’s why, even if you don’t like it, smiling at it tricks your body into thinking it’s happy and the benefits will come!”
Smiling can boost your immune system
Smiling not only helps you feel good emotionally, it also helps your physical health.
Dr Kasem said: “A healthy immune system is crucial because it helps your body fight infections like colds and flu, and it also helps protect your mouth from harmful bacteria that can attack your teeth.
“The more relaxed you are, the more your immune system will improve, and the more you smile, the more relaxed you are – it’s a win-win!”
Smile is contagious
“Smiles can not only elevate your mood and ease signs of stress and tension, but it can also change the mood of others around you,” Dr. Kasem revealed.
“Smiles are contagious, so if you’re smiling, chances are the people around you are smiling too – spread the smile, spread the good!”
Smiling makes you more productive
Is there a deadline? Smile and you will be on the road to success.
“The more you laugh, the more motivated you feel,” Dr. Kasem said.
“The attitude of getting work done can be the difference between good days and bad days, which is why it’s so important to have confidence in your smiles and show off their pearly whites!”
Smiling can help you live longer
While the fountain of youth may not exist, a smile may be secondary.
Dr Kasem revealed: “There is a lot of research in the US showing that smiling can actually help you live longer!
“It’s so important to feel confident with your smile, especially because it can make you more productive and help you live longer.”
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