Improve your health with a smile

By Brandie Umar - Executive Director of Content | June 24th, 2010

A team of researchers in New York have found a connection between your smile and emotional health; even when faking a smile, the muscle movement of smiling triggers an emotional response making you actually feel happier.

The connection between health problems and emotions has been researched in depth and many studies have investigated how mental wellbeing relects on physical health. These studies have all concluding that the happier the person, the less likely they are to suffer from aching bones, gum disease, mensturation problems and diabetes with a strong link between heart health and optimism.

This weeks published research is the first study to have analysed the relationship between the act of smiling and feelings.

The research conducted at Barnard College in New York looked at the emotional responses of people before and after Botox injections. Using Restalyne as a control filler, test subjects were shown emotionally charged clips of movies before and after being injected with Botox. All subjects displayed a reduced emotional response following the Botox injections, compared to no change in the control subjects whose muscles were not affected by the Restalyne.

Botox is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The cosmetic procedure works by temporarily paralysing the mucles in the face. Using Botox to test the theory that facial expressions can impact mood was the first time a conclusive study into physical reactions and emotional responses had been made. When the brain does not receive sensory triggers fromfacial expressions, emotional responses are significantly reduced and mood can be altered.

In 2009 the Journal of the American Heart Association published a report showing that optimistic thinking significantly improves heart health. Combined with this latest research it would seem that one of the best ways to stay healthy and prevent your risk of cardiovascular disease would be to enjoy life - you may find that a smile a day helps keep the doctor away.

Health Benefits of a Smile

Happy, optimistic people are less likely to suffer from heart disease

Smiling helps you relax - when you are relaxed the immune system works more efficiently to fight off virus' which lead to health problems

Smiling triggers an emotional response in the brain to produce endorphins that boost mood, reduce pain and lower blood pressure

According to The British Dental Health Foundation, a genuine smile produces the same emotional response as eating 2,000 chocolate bars! Swapping chocolate for a smile can protect your dental health as well as preventing weight gain

While frowning can increase the amount of wrinkles on a face, smiling keeps the facial muscles relaxed and keeps skin supple

Smiling is contagious and surrounding yourself with positive people can significantly reduce stress levels and improve mental health

Latest Health News