THE POWER OF SMILES

    According to research conducted by Henry Reed, PhD., and instructor at Atlantic University in Virginia Beach, Va., there is power in a smile.  It not only improves one’s own appearance but has positive effects on others.  Smiling then leads to positive effects on body health, as confirmed by several studies described in Forbes magazine.  It creates a neural feedback to the brain when we smile.  The brain then interprets emotions differently when we smile.  Pain is suppressed and happiness is emphasized.  One study found that the brain responds to a smile as it would to the consumption of chocolate or winning a large sum of money.  When we smile our blood pressure goes down and other positive effects on health results.

    In one study, a comparison of the extent of smiling among graduates in a school yearbook predicted the student’s level of happiness 30 years later.  A study comparing smiles among baseball players in their photograph baseball cards predicted their longevity.  Those players with the biggest smiles lived an average of seven years longer than those with the least smiles.  One participant, Ron Gutman, later told an audience he was inspired to do just that and decided to smile during his next long distance run as well as during all future long distance runs.  The fatigue and pain would disappear and he would experience a new source of stamina and enthusiasm.  It appears that positive meaningful smiles result in great inspiration and power.  At this time of voting in the next president of the United States, it is possible that the one with the most genuine hopeful smile will be the winner.  And it would also be interesting if the one that wins would say “Let’s cut back percentagewise on our huge and unnecessary salaries so the hard working common people can enjoy a better standard of living.”