Neighbor News
Be Lazy - SMILE!
There's evidence that smiling produces brain chemicals to create positive emotions. What stories do you choose to tell?
It’s interesting how certain images linger in your mind, isn’t it?
During my days at Highland Park High School, I remember a sign at the front reception desk. The sign stated, “It only takes 14 muscles to smile and 72 to frown, so be lazy!”
That message got me smiling naturally. Yet, I never realized till much later the power in those words.
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There’s evidence that putting on a smile can actually help you feel happier. As neurologist Dr. Isha Gupta explains, smiling creates a chemical reaction in the brain that produces dopamine. Low dopamine levels are often associated with depression, while higher levels of dopamine produce a feeling of happiness.
Those brain chemicals produce positive emotions even when you’re not initially feeling them. A forced smile may seem counter-intuitive after an unpleasant situation, but this could be just what we need to get through difficult times.
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Let’s take this a step further.
When you decide to craft your business or personal stories with positive words, what impact will that have on others? (Hint: If you’ve replied “POSITIVE,” you’re right!)
On the other hand, if you allow yourself to drown in negative news, what effect will your words have on your mood? (I think you know the answer.)
Mind, body and spirit ARE connected. I’ve witnessed it for myself. Knowing how we’re all affected by the brain-heart connection, I urge you to write and tell your stories to deliver a positive outcome. If you need help, feel free to get in touch with me. As not only a professional business storyteller, author and video producer, I'm a lifelong observer of what makes people tick.
We've been so bombarded with negative news, negative words, negative outcomes. It's like we've added too much salt into our food. Our souls are yearning for something different.
Each of us has a choice in how we use the power of words. Let's choose to bring a smile to someone’s face… it only takes 14 muscles! Then let the positive ripple effect happen.
Take a moment now and allow yourself to smile. Can you do it? AH…. how do you feel?
No matter who you are… what you do… and where you live…
The ultimate truth is – we are all connected. Feel free to spread this message.
Your positive stories matter!