Smiling reduces stress and anxiety, and it can be a great help in stress management. Scientists readily concur. They know that negative emotions can cause a cascade of biological reasons that harm the body. These include the chronic stress that increases inflammation, and inflammation has been linked to a host of health problems.
So it is not a stretch to think that smiling, a cousin of happiness, may also prompt changes in the body’s systems that can reduce certain diseases that prompt inflammation in the body.
Smiling, laughter, humor, and mirth are all good medicine. To put it in a few words, humor as medicine is not joke.
All these reduce stress hormones and often lead to the release of endorphins, which can increase your tolerance to pain
There is no doubt about it: Smiling produces good feelings. For example, experiments have found that people who smiled while receiving a needle injection rated the ordeal as 40% less painful than those who did not smile. This may be considered a testament for faking it until you make it. Also, in the experiments, the people who smiled during the injection did not have their heart rates increase.
So the next time you go to the doctor’s and receive a shot, smile during the short procedure. You may also find out how amazingly it works.
Here are some other medical doctors’ tips to reduce stress.
- Practice Positive Thinking
Don’t say anything to yourself that you would not say to someone else.
- Exercise
Staying fit can reduce the production of stress hormones.
- Eat Healthy
A well-functioning body is better at managing stress.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques
Mentally scan your body parts for pain and visualize it melting away.
- Take Time for Yourself
Rather than cramming more into a busy schedule, find ways to leave things out.
- Cut Stress at Home
Re-define “clean” so everything doesn’t have to sparkle.
- Reduce Stress at Work
Deal with the most unpleasant tasks early in the day.
Tip: When you find yourself under stress, smile.
