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I know we usually despise people for giving us a fake smile to hide the fact that they are actually dozing off on the inside. However, the fake smile can be a kind of ‘brain manipulation tool’ for those low mood days. Apparently, according to some studies, the brain can’t distinguish between a fake and genuine smile and graciously releases endorphins, natural painkillers and serotonin, which work together to make you feel good, even though you tricked it into lifting your mood. It’s said that it’s actually impossible to feel genuinely angry at the same time.
I must confess, I tried it and it really works. Recently, after work I felt quite stressed and my mood wasn’t the best; so I was putting on a medium sized , friendly smile while I was walking along the street. Keep in mind: A smile that is too broad can raise unwanted attention and people might think you’re nuts.:-)
Anyway, while I was strolling along – all smiles – my mind started to wonder into a different, more positive thinking direction. By the time I reached the bus station I completely forgot about the reasons for my low mood. Tip: Switch your iPod on, choose some uplifting music and you might even start tapping while waiting at the traffic lights. WORKS FOR ME!
By the way, smiling causes far fewer muscles to contract and expand than frowning.
Read also:
HOW TO CHANGE YOUR MOOD WITH LITTLE EFFORT
WHAT A BRAIN WORKOUT SHOULD INCLUDE
TRY MOODGYM: A FREE COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY PROGRAM
MUSIC BY MOOD – TODAY: CHEERING UP MUSIC
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Technorati Tags: positive psychology, happiness happy news brain manipulation
May 13, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Yes, yes. It really works. It works for two reasons.
First, as you said, because the smiling muscles send happiness messages to your brain.
Second, because we always feel happy surrounded by happy people. So if we smile, other people around us will feel happier just being around us…which makes us happier being around them. It is a totally circular argument, but it works!
Besides, who cares if people think you’re nuts?
December 12, 2008 at 12:00 am
[...] these kind of resources to remind myself and you not to forget about them. Remember the article Here Is Why A Faked Smile Is Good For You? This article reported on new research about how we can manipulate the brain to make us feel good [...]
January 12, 2009 at 2:45 am
[...] WHY A FAKED SMILE IS GOOD FOR YOU [...]
February 10, 2009 at 10:47 pm
[...] WHY A FAKED SMILE IS GOOD FOR YOU [...]
June 12, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Your site and posts are very interesting ! Thanks for providing such a great resource. With so many junk sites out there it’s refreshing to find one with valuable, useful information ! I’ll be back to read regularly !
Thanks,
Jeanine