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Photo courtesy of Nanagyei-off on Holiday

Janice Taylor, reminds us why smiling is so beneficial:

The health benefits of smiling are plentiful.

Smiling…

    1. increases the production of endorphins, natural pain killers and serotonin, a hormone that regulates your mood;
    2. boosts your immune system and increases the number and activity of antibodies that fight infection;
    3. lowers your blood pressure;
    4. helps you to relax;
    5. relieves stress;
    6. enhances respiratory function;
    7. exercises 15-26 facial muscles;
    8. makes you look younger as it lifts the face; and
    9. fires up various parts of the brain!

      More fabulous facts about smiling that are sure to make you smile.

      10.  72% of people think that those who smile frequently are confident and successful.

      11.  86% of people are more likely to talk to strangers if they are smiling.

      12.  Bosses are 12% more likely to promote people who smile a lot.

      13.  Research shows that 65% of communication is non-verbal (some say even higher).

      14.  Studies show that happiness is a by-product of smiling, not that those who are happy smile as most people assume.

          My kids and I used to do this
          trick when they were little and got whiny and cranky.  "I'm bored!" they'd say. "Are you whining? What a wimpy excuse for a whine. THIS is a whine! 'OH NO I HAVE TO THE LAUNDRY NOW! YUCK!'" We'd compete to out-whine
          each other. It never failed to end in giggles. The whining? Gone, like magic. All that was left were smiles.

          "In ancient China, the Taoists taught that a
          constant inner smile, a smile to oneself, insured health, happiness and
          longevity. Why? Smiling to yourself is like basking in love: you become
          your own best friend. Living with an inner smile is to live in harmony
          with yourself." -Mantak Chia via Janice Taylor, Our Lady of Weight Loss