GHP Q3 2019

GHP / Q3 2019 17 10 Benefits of Smiling, and How To Get Your Perfect Smile Every Time 6. Increase Your Attention Span We’ve already mentioned that it’s easier to learn when you’re in a good mood. It turns out learning is an emotional process as much as an intellectual one. Stress, negative feelings, and depression can actually slow down your ability to process new information, your ability to focus on tasks, and even your spatial awareness! Take the time to smile more at work, in class, or on the go, and you’d be amazed at what you’re able to take in of the world around you. 7. Look Younger We all like a bit of skin pampering now and then. But sometimes, the endless parade of anti-aging treatment makes it feel like a full-time job! If you’re tired of the expensive creams, electrolysis, and other look-younger hacks, try a smile! It’s true what they say; it takes far fewer muscles in your face to smile than it does to frown. That means less wrinkles, but it also provides something like a natural facelift, stopping you from looking haggard and your features from looking closed down and tired. 8. Live Longer Unbelievable but true, smiling helps you live longer! With all the benefits to your stress levels, overall mood, and heart rate, perhaps it’s not so surprising, but those with a ready smile live up to seven years longer than frowners. So put on a big smile. For your health! 9. Boost Your Immune System The lowered stress levels caused by the increase of endorphins means your body isn’t overtaxing itself by being stressed out. That improves your relaxation levels, affecting everything going on in your body. The more relaxed state of mind means less cortisol on the brain, meaning less stress. You sleep better, too, which has a significant impact on your immunity. So relax, rest up, and wake up smiling 10. Lower Your Heart Rate Finally, and in retrospect, most obviously, the relaxing effects of smiling can be felt all over your body, including your heart. Stress can put a lot of strain on your heart, and lowering that stress through smiling more often is bound to have a positive effect on your heart health, just like it does on your stress levels. So, now you know the benefits of having a smile at the ready in every situation. But what if you’re a bit self-conscious? Maybe you’ve always hated your smile, and the most you can manage is a smirk? Never fear! There’s plenty you can do to improve your grin and give you the boost of confidence you need to keep smiling. 1. See A Dentist Regularly As a child, we had it drilled into us, sometimes literally, that we needed to visit the dentist at least twice a year. And then, as an adult, life got too busy. Nowadays, we’re lucky to see a dentist once every year, and many of us are at the dentist even less. Regular dental checkups can keep you on track when it comes to your oral health, and help you spot problems as they happen when they’re easier, and cheaper to fix. A dentist can also reassure you if there are trouble spots, or you’re not sure when to be worried about your teeth. 2. Try a Whitening Toothpaste If you’re afraid your smile isn’t at its brightest, try a whitening toothpaste. It can boost your smile from 10%-80% whiter in a matter of weeks, and you’ll see initial results right away. You’d be amazed at how good the right whitening toothpaste or whitening strips are at removing stains you thought were impossible. Give it a try for a month, and the results could amaze you! 3. Practice In The Mirror Finally, don’t forget to practice! Studies show your brain can’t tell the difference between a genuine smile and a fake one. So if you’re struggling with a self-conscious smile, it turns out fake it til you make it really can make the difference. Practice your smile at home, where you’re feeling relaxed, and you’ll have a smile at the ready, the next time you’re in public. They say the right smile can open doors, make people like you more, and make you feel more confident. But it also helps lower stress, improves longevity, and even boosts your immune system! Perfecting your smile isn’t just beneficial for your peace of mind and your confidence: It can improve your health. So indulge yourself. Put on a smile. Laugh more. You’d be surprised what it can do for you.