January 27, 2009

Don't Leave Home Without It   Don't leave home without THE accessory for all seasons.   What is it?  A smile.   What's even better is that when you do leave home with your smile, you get everyone else smiling.  Smiles are contagious.  "Seeing a smile [on others] creates what is termed as a 'halo' effect, helping us to remember other happy events more vividly, feel more optimistic, more positive, and more motivated," says psychologist Dr. David Lewis.   So what's a person to do if they don't feel like smiling?  Fake it. That's right.  A smile on the outside, even if it's forced, will soon translate into a smile on the inside.   And that's where all the good stuff begins.   People who smile enjoy better health than those who do not.  They have stronger immune systems, lower blood pressure, and are better able to fight off illness.  They eat better, exercise more, and sleep well and long enough.    Smiling is also a great stress reducer because it releases the feel good hormones (endorphins) into your body. Think of it as exercising for your mood. Who doesn't want to feel good?   In addition, smilers live longer than those who don't.  According to a study published in the November 2004 issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry, "elderly optimistic people, those who expected good things to happen (rather than bad things), were less likely to die than pessimists."   Smiling also makes you more attractive and approachable.  You appear confident and self-assured when you smile and you put others at ease more readily.  I've heard that bosses are 12% more likely to promote people who smile a lot.    Furthermore, can you imagine the benefits to your workplace when everyone is smiling?  And, it doesn't cost a penny to implement.  Whether on the phone or in person, a smile is a must for five-star customer service.   All of those contagious smiles inspire others and the pay it forward philosophy is at work.  I smile at you, you smile at me.  Try it the next time you're in line at the supermarket, at the gym, or at your dentist's office.  86% of people are more apt to talk to a stranger if they are smiling.    Smiling keeps you looking young by exercising your facial muscles and reducing the lines and wrinkles in your face, and reducing droopy skin.  That's non-invasive plastic surgery!  And it's free.   17 vs. 43.  That's how many muscles it takes to smile vs. how many it takes to frown.  Frowning takes too much energy.  Find a better use for your energy.   And for those who love chocolate: It takes viewing 2000 chocolate bars to give the same brain and heart activity as viewing pictures of smiling people.  This is according to researchers from the British Dental Health Foundation. That's a lot of chocolate for one smile.   "A smile is a curve that sets everything straight," said Phyllis Diller.  Don't leave home without yours.         "There are hundreds of languages in the world, but a smile speaks them all."             William Arthur Ward   "What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity.  These are but trifles, to be sure; but scattered among life's pathway, the good they do is inconceivable."             Joseph Addison   "A smile is the light on your face that lets someone know you're home."             MacAnderson   "Smile - sunshine is good for your teeth."             Unknown     Make it a goal to start your day with an optimistic mood full of positive energy.  You can do it.  All you need to do is smile.  As the day progresses and the zingers come, have your moment if you must, and then bring the smile back.  Smiling will make you feel happier and your actions will then reflect this feeling.   Smile for yourself and then smile for others.  You will light up a room full of people when you enter smiling. Spread the cheer and people will be drawn to you.  Besides which, you never know if the Candid Camera crew will be rolling the tape.  Smile!   I am inBostonthis week attending the Yankee Dental Convention.  I've never been there so this is a real treat.  Plus, I have numerous friends in the area whom I will enjoy visiting with.  And, I will be meeting many new people as I represent the American Association of Women Dentists at several functions.  I won't be leaving my hotel room without a smile!   Have a fantastic week and don't leave home without your smile.   Stephanie   P.S.  I bet you can't smile and think of something negative at the same time!         We grow by "word-of-email" so please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone whom you think might benefit from and enjoy it. Thanks so much! Contact Us: stephanie@7steps2abalancedlife.com