We smile at the end of each yoga class. Smiling; whether it is automatic, intentional or even faked is beneficial to both mind and body. It feels good to smile, and of course I want my students to leave the class feeling wonderful.
Smiling releases endorphins, the body’s natural pain reliever and mood elevator. It also releases serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps in feeling happy and relaxed. There are all sorts of studies that support the benefits of smiling. It lowers blood pressure and boosts the immune system. Smiling helps to slow down your reaction to stress. This is obvious with young children. Have you ever noticed how sometimes they smile when they are in trouble? It’s a way of reducing the anxiety of making a mistake. It also invites you to continue liking the child. Smiling is relaxing thus relieves tension. A smile helps a person shift from a down mood to a happy mood. When you smile it also helps others to make this shift. It makes you more attractive (younger) and approachable. It’s a quick pick me up. Babies are born with a natural smile. They even smile in their sleep.
It does work. If you are feeling troubled try smiling. Sometimes it’s hard to do. Sometimes it will make you laugh (also very healthy). It can change your perception of a situation. Try “STAR” (Smile, Take A deep breath and Relax) the next time you are mad, angry or upset. Then let the magic happen. It is one more item for your tool box of choices to help make your day the best it can be. If nothing else it beats the alternative (being grumpy).
Remember when you smile the room (or even the outside) lights up. It’s amazing and joyous to watch this transformation.
"Because of your Smile you make life more beautiful." Thich Nhat Hanh
To read more about smiling click on any of the following links:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/18859-health-benefits-smiling/
http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/2644
http://www.sunwarrior.com/news/positive-effects-of-smiling/
Smiling releases endorphins, the body’s natural pain reliever and mood elevator. It also releases serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps in feeling happy and relaxed. There are all sorts of studies that support the benefits of smiling. It lowers blood pressure and boosts the immune system. Smiling helps to slow down your reaction to stress. This is obvious with young children. Have you ever noticed how sometimes they smile when they are in trouble? It’s a way of reducing the anxiety of making a mistake. It also invites you to continue liking the child. Smiling is relaxing thus relieves tension. A smile helps a person shift from a down mood to a happy mood. When you smile it also helps others to make this shift. It makes you more attractive (younger) and approachable. It’s a quick pick me up. Babies are born with a natural smile. They even smile in their sleep.
It does work. If you are feeling troubled try smiling. Sometimes it’s hard to do. Sometimes it will make you laugh (also very healthy). It can change your perception of a situation. Try “STAR” (Smile, Take A deep breath and Relax) the next time you are mad, angry or upset. Then let the magic happen. It is one more item for your tool box of choices to help make your day the best it can be. If nothing else it beats the alternative (being grumpy).
Remember when you smile the room (or even the outside) lights up. It’s amazing and joyous to watch this transformation.
"Because of your Smile you make life more beautiful." Thich Nhat Hanh
To read more about smiling click on any of the following links:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/18859-health-benefits-smiling/
http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/2644
http://www.sunwarrior.com/news/positive-effects-of-smiling/
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