Let’s take a closer look at the simplest and most important expression we humans have. <\/p>\n
Why smiles are special<\/strong><\/p>\n Smiling is an automatic response to the great moments in our lives. It’s more than just a way to show happiness though – smiling can actually change our brains, affecting our emotional states.<\/p>\n In one study by Hewlett Packard, researchers discovered that just looking at a photo of someone smiling can stimulate the brain’s reward mechanisms. They found that one smile can be the equivalent of 2,000 chocolate bars when it comes to brain stimulation, clearly indicating that smiling can make you feel good. <\/p>\n Another study published in the Psychological Science journal found that they can reduce stress levels and generate positive emotions instead. As stress-induced hormones can negatively impact your health, smiling can help you stay healthy. <\/p>\n Did you know…<\/strong><\/p>\n Smiles may seem commonplace, but they are actually quite mysterious. Here are a few lesser-known facts about this facial expression:<\/p>\n Why do we smile less as we get older? No one knows for sure, but factors such as stress and social norms are thought to make us show happiness less freely. Another reason could be that adults are more prone to worrying about what other people think of them, and the way they look when they laugh. <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.citydentists.co.nz\/dental-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/x_0_0_0_14111642_800.webp\")
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