Why You Should Smile: The Benefits of Showing Your Great Smile

So much can be said about someone through their smile. Smiles are the most recognizable facial expression and can be seen on someone's face nearly three hundred feet away. Because we are instinctively drawn to people who are smiling, we subconsciously see these people as warn, inviting, and self- confident.

Smiling, therefore, is a key in creating a great first impression. In fact, fifty percent of all people will say that a smile is the most memorable feature after first meeting someone, even more than the first words that person says. Through smiling, people radiate self-confidence, self-worth, and optimism. These are all qualities that help people gravitate toward, and help people create personal and professional relationships, thus positively affecting the rest of their lives.

According to the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a great smile can be one's greatest asset no matter that person's age. Not only can a beautiful smile make you more attractive and younger, smiling can also relieve stress and help boost your immune system. Because you are more relaxed, your blood pressure is naturally lower, allowing endorphins to be released, making you feel good. Additionally, smiling is contagious. By smiling, your mood, and the mood of other's around you instantly improves, causing more productivity and a better overall environment.

The psychological benefits of smiling are enormous. Unfortunately, it is believed that people with flawed smiles are less attractive and less confident than those with perfect teeth, according to the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Subconsciously, we connect a dull yellow smile with age. We make this connection because overtime the enamel on the surface of the teeth wears down, causing teeth to darken. Since smiles play such a crucial role in the impressions we make upon others, it has become a social belief that someone who fails to smile or return a smile causes an immediate breakdown in conversation. Additionally, people also associate this body language with confidence, giving the impression that this person is unconfident and unfriendly. Instead of wanting to get to know that person, we tend to associate a frown, scowl, or grimace with someone to keep at a distance. Without knowing it, the person who is failing to smile is actually pushing other people away from him or her.

A smile impacts many aspects of our culture and daily lives. Through a simple smile, our lives can be affected socially, professionally, physically, and emotionally. It is important that everyone put their best foot forward and smile daily.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7367975