Smile – Happy feels Good on You

Smile – happy feels good on you and has the power to improve moods, decrease stress and help you to relax.  Dr. Abeyta and her team have written several blog posts over the years that talk about the importance of oral health and how it relates to your overall health.  Now, we’ll tell you why you should show off that beautiful smile and laugh more.

Those Little Molecules of Sunshine

On those days when you wake up grumpy try a tiny smile or chuckle.  It’ll trigger your brain to feel happier.   

Don’t believe it?  A recent study showed that when you smile, your brain releases tiny molecules called neuropeptides to help fight off stress.  Other neurotransmitters such as serotonin, endorphins and dopamine are released as well.  Endorphins act as a mild pain reliever.  Serotonin and endorphins are natural antidepressants.  

Those effects are more than doubled when that tiny smile turns into full-blown laughter.  Laughing has been shown to increase circulation and relax muscles for up to forty-five minutes.

A Ray of Sunshine

Have you ever wondered why people gravitate towards those who are always smiling and laughing?   No one wants to be around Johnny Raincloud. 

It’s amazing how contagious laughter and smiling can be.  We can thank mirror neurons for that.  Whenever, we see someone doing a specific behavior we can’t help but mimic that behavior ourselves.

An Element of Fun in Every Job that Must Be Done

Sometimes, it’s hard to find reasons to smile and laugh when you are at work, but the more you do, the more productive and focused you will be on the job at hand.  

The more productive and focused you are the faster the job will be completed. It’s a positive cycle that will rub off on your fellow workers.  It can change the entire workforce atmosphere.  

The Physical Benefits

Smiling and laughing not only improves your mental health, it has physical benefits as well.  When you laugh, you work your abdominal muscles, releasing endorphins.  Remember, endorphins reduce your perception of pain and also trigger a positive feeling in the body. That feeling, known as a “runner’s high,” can be accompanied by a positive and energizing outlook on life.

Studies have also found that smiling and laughing can help decrease your risk for heart disease and lower your blood pressure for up to 24 hours.

The Best Reason

There are several scientific studies that show us why people should smile and laugh more but when it comes down to it, the best reason is that it simply makes us feel better.  We should all spend more time doing the things that bring joy into our lives. 

Dr. Abeyta and her team believe that dentistry is health and trust centered. She practices an integrative approach in creating a beautiful smile and healthy functioning body. Call today to get started on your healthy smile at 505-293-7611 and remember, laughter is the best medicine.