Did you know that more than 30% of us smile more than 20 times a day and less than 14% of us smile less than 5 times a day?  But Children smile as many as 400 times per day!

It actually takes more effort (and muscles) for your body to frown than to smile.  Frowning sends a signal to your brain that something is wrong and this leads to stress.  Researchers have proved that smiling is like a natural, feel good, antidepressant.  Your body immediately releases endorphins when you smile, even when you force it. This sudden change in mood will help you feel better and release stress and you will then in a better position to go about your day.

# Tip… You can literally trick your body into feeling good! Next time you’re feeling down, and you don’t feel like smiling, put a pen between your teeth (so that both ends are poking out the sides of your mouth).  You are now activating the “Smile Muscles”.  Remember, this lets off chemicals in the Brain that will make you feel good.  Yes even if you are faking it, the Brain will believe it and register as you being Happy!

Smiling is something we do unconsciously but we rarely think about the power that it has, and the effects on others around us are.  Try to be childlike and smile, smile, smile!

Some affirmations to help you get into the swing of things might be:
“I smile with ease”
“Smiling comes easily to me”
“I love to smile at others”
“I am comfortable smiling at myself in the mirror”
“Smiling makes me feel happy”
“Smiling makes me feel content”
“When I smile at the World the World smiles back”

Please feel free to add to the above list of Affirmations.  When you say them out loud, they can be powerful indeed.

Kind regards and Remember to Breathe!
Maria