Light Up Your Brain (and The World) with a Smile!

I dare you to SMILE right now!

Yes, just smile for no reason.

Now take that smile and pass it on to someone close by.

What happens?

The same thing that happens every single time when I do my workshops: the smile turns into laughter.

Why? Because when we see a smile, our brain lights up through something called mirror neurons– tiny messengers designed to help us reflect the emotions of others.

In other words, if someone smiles at you, your brain actually tries to smile back! I make it a habit to practice the mirror neuron connection when I’m out doing errands or at an event, as I find it fascinating. I smile, and 99 percent of the time, people smile back!

Interestingly enough, studies show that your brain can’t always tell the difference between a real smile and a “practice” one, especially in stressful moments. That smile sends a signal to your nervous system that you are safe, grounded, and okay. Smiling takes the edge off, softens your disposition, eases your tension, lowers your blood pressure, makes your shoulders drop, and may even cause you to send out an audible sigh of relief…all because of a smile.

A smile is more than turning up the corners of your mouth. It’s a bridge! It says, “I see you. You matter. We’re connected.”  When I smile at people, I can’t help but think that just maybe I’ve helped ease their tensions, disrupt their thoughts, and lighten their load even just a bit.

Bryan Adams’ song “Be The Reason” hits home when he says smiling is just a simple gesture, but it can change somebody’s world. To echo Adams’ lyrics, smiling leads to “a better way, a better future, a better year, a higher gear.” I heartily agree with the sentiment of his song! Smiling is a beautiful, simple, silent message of hope and couldn’t we all use a heaping helping of hope these days?

So today, I encourage you to try this small experiment:

• Smile at a stranger.

• Smile when you’re overwhelmed.

• Smile before you begin a difficult conversation.

• Smile just because you can.

You will be amazed at how quickly your outlook shifts – or someone else’s. Or at the very least, you’ll confuse people – which is also enjoyable!

In a world that can feel tense, rushed, and occasionally upside down, your smile and expression of kindness can be a tiny rebellion of joy!

Book Lana B. and/or her alter-ego, The Ukulele Lady, now to spread a message of inspiration and move the happiness needle for your employees, team, or volunteers.