The Benefits of Smiling
by Elaine Book
October 1st is World Smile Day®! In 1963, Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Massachusetts created the smiley face symbol. As the years passed, he became concerned about the over-commercialization of his symbol, so in 1999 he came up with the idea for World Smile Day®. He thought that all of us should devote one day each year to smiles and kind acts throughout the world. He declared that the first Friday in October each year would henceforth be World Smile Day®. After Harvey died in 2001, the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation was created to honour his name and memory, and it continues as the official sponsor of World Smile Day® each year. The foundation’s vision and intent are “to harness Smiley's power and appeal around the globe for the benefit of those who could really use a smile, primarily those worthy entities and organizations that might not otherwise receive attention or support”.
Smiling can be an easy and effective way to increase your positive wellbeing. Did you know that smiling not only boosts your mood (and the moods of people around you), it also improves your immune system and lowers your blood pressure? Take a moment in your day to smile, even if you are wearing a mask - it’s good for you! Check out these top 10 reasons to smile every day:
Smiling helps you live longer.
Smiling relieves stress.
Smiling elevates mood.
Smiling is contagious.
Smiling boosts the immune system.
Smiling may lower blood pressure.
Smiling reduces pain.
Smiling makes you attractive.
Smiling suggests success.
Smiling helps you stay positive.
To read more about the top ten reasons to smile, see the article in the Vancouver Coastal Health bulletin at https://www.verywellmind.com/top-reasons-to-smile-every-day-2223755.