Ladies, I know you’ve heard it a thousand times: “Just smile, it’ll make you feel better.” And if you’re like me, your first thought might be, “Sure, right after I finish paying these bills and finding my glasses!” But believe it or not, science actually backs this one up.
Researchers from the University of Tennessee looked at more than 11,000 people and found that smiling really can make you feel a little happier. Not fireworks-happy or winning-the-lottery happy, but enough to lift your spirits just a smidge. Turns out, when we move those smile muscles, our brain gets the message: “Hey, things must be okay!” and starts releasing mood-boosting chemicals.
Another study found that smiling helps lower heart rate and even helps your body recover from stress faster. So if your grandkids just used your good scissors on the dog’s fur—try smiling before you scream. It might save your blood pressure.
Even better, the effect works no matter your age. Research shows older adults (that’s us, ladies!) still get the same emotional benefits. One study even found that seniors who smiled more often had fewer depressive symptoms. Who knew that all those laugh lines might actually be battle scars of joy?
Now, to be fair, the experts admit the effect is small. You can’t fake a grin and instantly feel like you’re 25 again. But it’s free, painless, and won’t show up on your credit card statement. Compared to therapy, supplements, or Botox—pretty good deal, right?
So here’s your challenge for the week: every morning when you make your bed or brush your teeth, look in the mirror and smile for 20 seconds. (Even if your hair’s doing that weird rooster thing.) See if you don’t feel a little better.
Because while we can’t control our wrinkles—or the Wi-Fi— we can control our smile. And according to science, it just might be the cheapest mood booster out there.
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