I often say during a yoga class: “have a smile on your face”. Why is that?

Your smile makes you feel better. A number of substances are released when you smile.

For example: Dopamine, is also known as the happiness hormone. Endorphins have a pain-suppressing effect and stimulate feelings of euphoria. Serotonin has a predominantly stimulating effect on memory, mood, self-confidence, sleep, emotion and appetite.

A smile on your face boosts your mood and is rewarding.

The best result is achieved when the eyes join in with the smile. The muscles around your eyes tighten and you feel the look in your eyes soften.

A smile not only enhances feelings of happiness, but can actually induce them. Just try: Have a smile on your face and then try to think of something negative or sad. Doesn’t work, does it? And now, let the corners of your mouth droop and try to think of something positive or cheerful. Doesn’t work either! Impressive, right?

A feeling of gratitude and unconditional love is called the inner smile. Together with the actual smile on your face, this is a rock-solid boost for your mood and your entire system. Not to mention the impact it has on others: smile and see how the world changes.

Namasté!