By Stephanie Cilton -
Need a reason to smile today?
Apparently, the smiley face was invented in 1963 by a commercial artist from Worcester, Massachusetts called Harvey Ball. He also created World Smile Day in 1999 as he felt everyone should devote one day each year to smiles and kind acts. What a lovely chap!
World Smile Day is here to remind us to "Do an act of kindness. Help one person smile.
This reminds me of a little saying that my Nanna taught me as a child:
Smile a while … and when you smile, another smiles … until there’s miles and miles of smiles :-)
So why smile?
Smiling is a great way to reduce stress and improve your mood. Smiling can trigger the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and endorphins, which enhance feelings of happiness and relaxation. Even forcing a smile can lead to improved mood states, suggesting that the act of smiling itself can influence emotional well-being.
And why do acts of kindness?
With acts of kindness you can simultaneously help others and yourself. Helping others releases endorphins that boost mood and reduce stress. You will also strengthen social bonds, leading to a greater sense of belonging and support. Regular acts of kindness have been linked to lower levels of anxiety and depression.
What can you do to spread a smile today?
- Comment on this post. I guarantee that will make us smile!
- Share this post on social media.
- Send someone a gift.
- Message someone you’ve not heard from for a while.
- Visit someone who lives alone.
- Give someone a compliment.
- Smile at someone you pass in the street.
- Make yourself smile by doing something you love.
We would love to hear what’s made you smile today! Let us know in the comments below, or click on the smiley face reaction to let us know you’re there.
