Why You'll Live Longer By Smiling More

There are plenty of health benefits to smiling, laughing and positive thinking. When we frown or harbor too many negative emotions such as anger and fear, our bodies produce more of the stress hormone cortisol. This leads to a weaker immune system and rapid ageing. Prolonged stress puts you at higher risk to a host of health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes . When we laugh and smile, our bodies release a chemical known as endorphins, which act as natural stress and pain relievers, thus reducing the effects of cortisol. That's why cheerful people are perceived to be less stressed, and healthier too. A good belly laugh is great for the lungs, immune system and can even burn off some calories. Reducing stress will also improve your digestion, regulate your blood sugar, lower your blood pressure, make you feel calmer and as such, help you live longer.

American scientists recently studied an old photo of a team of baseball players, and found that those who smiled in the shot did indeed live longer. The big smilers lived an average of 79.9 years. The partial smilers, 75 years. The non-smilers, 72.9. That's a difference of 7 years between the players that had a penchant for grinning and those who remained stony-faced.

A smile brightens up any room, and people who grin frequently usually have more friends and do better at school and at work. When we smile, we are perceived by others as being more at ease, attractive and in control, so it's no surprise that smiley people are approached and spoken to more often than someone with a serious face. Research from the British Dental Health Foundation showed that the act of smiling can actually make you feel and act happier. Dr. Nigel Carter, the foundation's CEO, said, "We have long been drawing attention to the fact that smiling increases happiness both in yourself and those around you, so it is good to receive the backing of this scientific research. A healthy smile can improve your confidence, help you make friends and help you to succeed in your career."

Smiling is genuinely contagious, so when we smile at work, our colleagues and those we serve tend to smile back and feel chirpier around us. Perhaps that explains why we give waiters and waitresses who smile bigger tips!