They say laughter is the best medicine, and having fun will certainly boost your mood. However, in many cases, a smile can have just as positive an effect.
I’m here to remind you to have fun and to live in the moment, it all starts with a smile.
Research shows that a smile can reduce anxiety and stress, improve your relationship, and even reduce the likelihood of contracting heart disease! Smiling provides an array of psychological and physical benefits.
The great news is you can start smiling today. It’s the first step in your journey to be happy. Here are ten things you can do today that will make you smile:
1. Smile!
It may seem strange, but smiling, even when you don’t feel like it, will make you feel happier. This will encourage you to smile more, and you’ll get a response from those around you. The more you smile, the more others will smile back.
It doesn’t take long for your fake smile to become genuine, as you’re reminded that humans are basically decent.
Start today and practice smiling even if you don’t feel like it. You’ll find it uplifting.
2. Give Someone A Hug
Hugging someone has a similar effect to smiling. It releases endorphins, which make you feel good. Of course, getting hugged back will also make you feel good.
Hugging someone you know is a good starting point. However, you’ll need to be more cautious if you decide to hug a stranger; not everyone will react positively.
When you get a positive reaction you’ll feel your negative thoughts disappearing. This will help lower your stress levels, which is good for your physical health.
3. Plan A Holiday
Take a moment to think about how excited you were the last time you were getting ready to go on vacation. It’s impossible not to get excited about time off, an opportunity to explore new places, and the joy of doing what you want.
That happiness and excitement starts as soon as you start planning a holiday.
Take a few moments today to consider where you would like to go. If you’re finding it hard to decide, then this list of the best places to visit in New Zealand may help!
It’s a fantastic country, worth visiting at least once, and the thought of going will surely make you smile.
4. Watch Cute Animals Or Babies On TV
Most people enjoy watching cute animals or babies behaving adorably; it’s hard not to smile! Turn on the television or your smartphone to find a funny or cute video now.
It’s guaranteed to make you smile and may even make you laugh!
5. Dance or Sing
There is something special about bursting into spontaneous song or doing a little dance. It generally triggers fond memories.
Try it now, and as the memories come flooding in, you’ll start smiling.
6. Embrace Your Inner Child
Children laugh, dance, sing, run, and do many other things for no specific reason. They do it simply because it is fun.
You don’t need to become a child to embrace your inner child. Simply do something just for the sake of it, not because it needs to be done.
You’ll be surprised at how good it makes you feel. Naturally, it will make you smile, and you’ll feel better about yourself.
7. Make A List Of Things You’re Thankful For
Pausing to make a list of the things you’re thankful for will help you appreciate how many good things are already in your life.
Too often, we become fixated on the next big thing and overlook what’s right in front of us.
Making a list will make you smile; it will also help you retain perspective.
8. Start A New Hobby
Starting a new hobby can be exciting, challenging, and extremely rewarding. Think about something you’ve always wanted to try and make today the day. Either start the hobby, take the first steps to get the necessary supplies, or book the relevant lesson.
It will make you smile, broaden your horizons, and build confidence. There is no reason not to do it.
9. Compliment Someone
You can compliment someone you know or compliment a stranger. In both scenarios, you should offer a genuine compliment without expecting anything in return.
You’ll feel good, and their response is likely to make you smile. It’s a simple way of sharing the love that is surprisingly effective.
Summing Up
A smile is the first step toward a more positive outlook on life. The great news is that there are many things you can do to improve yourself. The above ten are just some of the options.
You don’t have to take my word for it; try doing some of the above every day for the next week and see how different you feel.
