The Power of a Smile

The start of the school year is my favourite time of year. Why you ask?

It is because of the many smiles glowing from ear to ear. Whether it is a well-rested teacher, a relieved parent excited school is going back or a student, ready and eager to begin the new school year. Smiles are a plenty at the start of the school year.

But why are smiles so powerful?

Well, many scientific studies have proven that small act of smiling can lift your mood, it boosts your immune system and can even lower stress. That is why when I may be feeling a little stressed you could find me wandering through the school yard getting my smile fix.

Smiles create a chemical reaction in the brain releasing the happy hormones like dopamine and serotonin. High levels of these chemicals are also associated to reduced levels of stress and depression. The physical act of smiling tricked into thinking we are happy, even if we are faking a smile and happiness increase our immune health. So even if you are not feeling your bright and happy self, forcing a smile can be a real mood changer as well as  help us to be healthier.

For me though, the best part of smiling is that it is contagious. Smiling not only has the power to change your mood but the moods of others also. Humans are hardwired to mimic the expressions of others. So, it is scientifically proven that smiles are contagious! So, thank you to the St Joseph’s community for sharing your smile with me and I look forward to catching many more smiles as the year continues.