San Francisco and Marin CA
When it comes to making a first impression, your smile plays a pivotal role. One recent study found that more than 75% of respondents identified a smile as the most important physical trait they evaluate when meeting someone for the first time. People who smile more are perceived as being more confident, approachable and successful. Did you know smiling also can benefit your health? Here are six reasons why you should smile more often.
Smiling helps you manage pain: More than one-fifth of American adults live with chronic pain, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Simply smiling can help alleviate discomfort. A recent study by the American Psychological Association conducted a study where participants were divided into groups, then given an injection similar to a vaccine, and assigned participants a facial expression to maintain while they received the injection. Participants that were assigned the Duchenne smile and grimace reported nearly 40% less pain than other groups. In summary, smiling impacts your perception of pain, and makes you more able to respond to a perceived pain level.
Smiling boosts productivity: Want to get more done on a daily basis? Just smile. A study performed by the Warwick Business School showed participants a 10-minute comedy film then assigned them a series of tasks to perform. Study participants who had higher levels of happiness from watching the film were 12% more productive when completing their assigned tasks.
Smiling reduces stress: According to Darwin’s Facial Feedback Response Theory, certain facial expressions can trigger corresponding emotions. For example, if you smile, it elevates your mood, whether the smile is genuine or not. So simply cracking a smile when you are feeling sad, depressed or stressed can help improve your mood.
Smiling helps your immune system: Scientific research has determined a potential link between your emotions and your ability to fight off disease. This is why you are more likely to get sick when you are anxious or stressed. When you smile, even if you’re not feeling truly happy, it lowers your stress level, helps you relax and encourages better function of your immune system.
Smiling lowers blood pressure: Past research has shown that smiling and laughing can lower both your heart rate and your respiratory rate, both of which contribute to a decrease in blood pressure. Well-regulated blood pressure reduces your vulnerability to cardiovascular disease, which includes stroke.
Smiling extends your life: The Psychological Science magazine published a study in 2009 that examined baseball cards, studying the demeanor of the players and the intensity of their smiles in particular. Each photograph was placed in one of three categories: no smile, partial smile and full smile. Researchers found that players who displayed full smiles lived seven years longer, on average, than those who did not smile or had neutral facial expressions.
Cosmetic dentistry in San Francisco and Marin, California
If you feel better about the appearance of your smile, you are more likely to show it. By contrast, if you identify an aesthetic flaw, you are hesitant to display your smile. Cosmetic dentistry makes it possible for most individuals to achieve the fabulous-looking smile they always wanted. Glen Park Dentals program of cosmetic dentistry offers a variety of different treatment options. To find out more about our services, schedule a consultation today. Just call (831) 438-4411 or visit our website.
