When You're Smiling

 

Even before the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006, I have been a student of the power of the mind/body connection. There is a feedback loop between the mind and the body. How you are in your body can affect your emotions and your emotions can affect your body. As Dr. David Hamilton points out, there is a bi-directional relationship between the mind and the body. One powerful example of this is Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk, Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are.

Another great example of this is what happens when you smile.

Last year I was inspired to write a poem in the midst of the pandemic:

 

The Smile                                      

 

Wherever there's a smile only Love can be

slightly upturned corners feeling happiness and free.

Frowns and furrowed brows might seem the order of the day

smiles from a grateful heart will always light the way.

Ignite imagination’s spark as joyous thoughts run wild

Divinity surrounding knowing we're beloved child.

 

Guardian angels surrounding whisk away all fear

smiling feel their presence holding in their palms so dear.

Smiles love beams permeate celebration rings out loud

joy-ning hearts together hugs surrounding in a crowd.

 

Smile as the vision of our future now takes hold

seeing beyond appearances a move that's brave and bold.

Smile faith and confidence solution's here and now

as worries take their exit with a stunning final bow.

Hope's rainbow is uplifting wondrous miracles abound

smiling from an open heart all is well is found.

 

While we can't see each other's smiles with masks, we can see smiles in each other's eyes and can experience the benefits of smiling for giver and receiver.

Here are 7 benefits of smiling from Try Some Smile Therapy.

1. Makes you attractive to others. There is an automatic attraction to people who smile.
2. Changes your mood. If you try, even when it’s difficult, to smile when you are not feeling good, there is a chance it might improve your affect and change the way you are feeling.  
3. Is contagious. Others will want to be with you. You will be helping others feel good.
4. Relieves stress. Stress does express itself right in our faces. When we smile, it can help us look better, less tired, and less worn down.
5. Boosts the immune system. Smiling can actually stimulate your immune response by helping you relax.
6. Lowers blood pressure. When you smile, there is evidence that your blood pressure can decrease.
7. Releases endorphins and serotonin. Research has reported that smiling releases endorphins, which are natural pain relievers, along with serotonin, which is also associated with feel-good properties.

 

As you go about your day, take a smile break and break into a smile. Smile before you drift off to sleep at night releasing all the worries of the day and encouraging thoughts of all there is to be grateful for. 

As you finish reading this blog, just smile and see how it makes you feel!

 

From my heart to yours

In health and wellness 

Mary

For more information about my journey from childhood polio and trauma to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond, visit my website.

 

"Hope is a Garden:Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic" along with all of my books to inspire and uplift you is available on Amazon.