The holiday season has arrived! This time of year may bring you excitement and joy, stress, or a strange combination of these emotions. Everyone has that one relative—you know, the one that can make family gatherings awkward, uncomfortable, or even stressful at times. Have you ever heard the saying “fake it til you make it”? It may come as a surprise, but with smiling, this phrase can come in handy.

Your Smile’s Effect on Emotions

I’m sure you’re aware that when you’re happy, you smile—but did you know that the opposite can also be true? Different studies have been performed that show that smiling can help people feel happier and less stressed. For smiling to have much of an impact on your mood, however, it needs to be a true smile. This means that the smile should reach the eyes. Laughing helps to produce a true smile. Find things at your family gatherings that make you smile and laugh.

The Effect of Smiling on the Brain

When you smile, the brain releases dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin. These molecules fight off stress and send happy emotions to the body. Also, studies have shown that when the facial expressions change, the temperature of the blood flowing to the brain is affected. The blood has a lower temperature when an individual is smiling. A cooler brain creates positive emotions.

Here at [practice_name], we are proud to give you something to smile about! Feel free to call our office at [phone] today to learn more and to schedule a visit with our dentist in [city], [state], Dr. [doctor_name].