A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance.—Proverbs 15:13
Brainy Tip: Smiling is good for your health!
Did you know that the mere act of smiling can stop a negative toxic mindset? In fact, research shows that smiling a lot can rewire the circuit in the brain that helps you keep a positive attitude toward life! This means God has designed us in such a way that when you smile with your eyes and mouth—a real, deep, meaningful smile (called the Duchenne smile)—the part of your brain involved in decision-making, intellectual pursuit, shifting between thoughts, and thinking things through rationally becomes stronger and more effective. Simply put, smiling makes you happier and more intelligent!
And just watch the effect on those around you, because smiling, like an attitude, is contagious. In fact, it’s almost impossible not to respond to a real smile: the mirror neurons God has so graciously wired into your brain are designed to respond with a burst of feel-good chemicals that lift your spirits and intellect. Smiling can improve not only your health but the health of people around you. It is a way of reflecting and sharing God’s love, so make an effort to smile more.