Smiling More Often Tricks Your Brain Into Thinking You’re Happy
Ever had someone tell you to keep your chin up, and just smile? It probably pissed you off, but scientists are saying there's some truth behind that.
It feels backwards, because being happy makes us smile, but it turns out smiling can make us happy. It causes a chemical reaction, releasing dopamine and serotonin.
“Dopamine increases our feelings of happiness. Serotonin release is associated with reduced stress. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression and aggression,” says Dr. Isha Gupta, a neurologist from IGEA Brain and Spine said. “Low levels of dopamine are also associated with depression.”
Dr. Murray Grossan, an ENT-otolaryngologist said in the study of psychoneuroimmunology (the study of how the brain affects the immune system), it proves that depression weakens your immune system, but on the same side, while happiness has been shown to boost the body's resistance to ailments.
“What’s crazy is that just the physical act of smiling can make a difference in building your immunity,” says Dr. Grossan. “When you smile, the brain sees the muscle activity and assumes that humor is happening.”
So keep smiling, and you'll stay healthy and you'll be happier.
Read more at NBC News