US-Iran war Trump tariffs CJP protest in Delhi World Brain Day

Smile more for stress relief, improved immunity and many other health benefits

Smiling not only enhances your attractiveness and improves your mood. It also provides many health benefits.

Myupchar|Jan 13, 2020, 14:44:30 IST

How often do you find yourself smiling just by looking at someone laugh or smile in front of you? Yes, smiling is contagious. As the famous saying goes, smile and the world will smile with you. But smiling not only enhances your attractiveness and improves your mood. It also provides various health benefits including stress relief and improved heart health. So if you didn't have a reason to smile already, here are some that are actually science-backed. [caption id="attachment_7898991" align="alignleft" width="380"] Representational image. Image by Pexels from Pixabay.[/caption]

1. Smiling relieves stress

Two major muscles in the face help you smile: zygomaticus major and orbicularis oculi. When there is a pleasant situation, like looking at a cute puppy, our brain produces endorphins and gives nerve signals to the facial muscles to trigger a smile. This initiates a loop of endorphin release in the body. Then the smiling muscles contract and send back a signal to the brain, switching on the reward system, which further increases the levels of endorphins in the body. These endorphins lower the stress levels and improve the mood. Smiling also releases neuropeptides (tiny molecules in the brain) in the body which fight against stress.

2. Improves heart health

The release of endorphins through smiling increases blood flow. Smiling has been associated with an increased HDL (the good cholesterol) levels in the body. Smiling also lowers the stress hormones (cortisol, adrenaline, nor-epinephrine). Thus, smiling and laughing more can improve overall heart health.

3. Increases pain threshold

The endorphins released while smiling and laughing act as a natural pain reliever. A research was carried out by the University of Oxford to find out if smiling and laughing generates a feeling of well-being in a person. The subjects were divided into two categories: one group was made to watch factual videos and the other group was made to watch funny videos and comic stage performances. The laughter of the participants was recorded with a microphone. After certain physical tests on both the groups, researchers found that the ones who watched comic content had a significant increase in their pain threshold immediately after compared to before watching the videos. Their pain threshold was also higher than the group that watched factual videos.

4. Maintains your blood pressure

Neuropeptides are required by the nerve cells for communication. These neuropeptides are responsible for the release of the happy chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) of the brain like dopamine, endorphins and serotonin. When you smile these neurotransmitters are released in the body which not only relaxes the body but also helps manage your heart rate and blood pressure.

5. Boosts your immune system

Smiling and laughing initiates the release of serotonin in the body which increases the sense of happiness and well-being in the body. Serotonin also helps boost the immune system as it stimulates monocytes and lymphocytes (types of white blood cells that fight against infection in the body) and also regulates the release of cytokines (chemical messenger of the immune system).

6. Smiling is contagious

According to a study published in the journal Neuropsychologia, seeing a smiling face activates your orbitofrontal cortex of the brain which is responsible for the sensory rewards. This cortex makes you smile and thus releases endorphins as a reward. Thus, this smile circle continues. Your smile might be making someone else happy and healthy - isn't that enough of a reason to do it more often? The world could do with an extra dose of positivity right now. For more on this topic, please read our article on Stress: Types, Stages, Symptoms and Treatment.Health articles in Firstpost are written by myUpchar.com, India’s first and biggest resource for verified medical information. At myUpchar, researchers and journalists work with doctors to bring you information on all things health.

Stroke in young adults, silent symptoms and late diagnosis: India's growing brain health challenge

Neurologists warn that stroke is increasingly affecting people in their 30s and 40s, while many brain disorders progress silently before symptoms appear. They say early diagnosis, timely referrals and healthier lifestyles are key to reducing India's growing neurological disease burden.

5 min read

Brain tumours aren't always fatal, but delayed diagnosis can be: Experts explain the key warning signs

Brain tumours are frequently mistaken for common headaches, stress or age-related cognitive changes. Doctors say recognising warning signs early and adopting a brain-healthy lifestyle can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term neurological complications.

2 min read

Spices, health and the Indian plate: Why chilli can be good for you—but moderation is still key

From boosting metabolism to supporting heart health, chillies offer several surprising health benefits. But experts say the amount you eat matters, and too much spice can do more harm than good.

4 min read

Organ donation: 5 myths you need to stop believing, according to a transplant specialist

Organ donation has the power to transform and save lives, but this can happen only when myths are replaced with facts. Building awareness, having open conversations and understanding the process can help families make informed decisions.