You may have heard a few of these life phrases:
‘Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful’, or ‘share your smile with the world’.
It does truly go without saying, how wonderfully beautiful and magical a smile can have on the world. We all know that smiling is important and it can show a number of characteristics of physical, mental and emotional well-being. Research has shown that those who smile tend to exhibit a lower heart rate than those who have a neutral expression and tend to be a lot more relaxed and at ease with everyday life. Sometimes though as human beings, it’s not in our nature to smile, or at least we try not to smile all the time, as it can be perceived differently to its common characteristic of happiness. But a smile is a natural part of human expression, and there are certain things that can easily put you in a good mood and force a smile upon your face.
So to kick-start the new year with a brighter and happier mood, here are some of the easiest ways to make yourself smile every day, without much needed effort!
Do some exercise
Starting your day with exercise, doesn’t always bring a smile to your face, but waking up that little bit earlier, will lift your spirits, and allow you start the day with a clear mind and some fresh energy. Even if you can’t hit the gym before work, talk a walk to work, or the stairs to your office, and switch off whenever you can, as doing the simple things in life can add a smile instantly.
Always make time for yourself
As human beings, we are guilty of not spending enough time with ourselves, doing things for ourselves and sometimes just being selfish. Do little things that bring a smile to your face, like visiting your local coffee shop and sitting down with the newspaper, or your favorite magazine. Perhaps go through that pile of paperwork you have been meaning to do for some time, with a glass of wine in your hand. No matter how you enjoy making time for yourself, this is one of the easiest and most important ways of making yourself smile. Leave yourself no time for relaxation, and you will bottle up with stress; both physically and emotionally.
Do something that surprises you
We all love a good adrenaline rush, whether it be an impulse purchase that may have set you back a few pay cheques or trying something new at your local restaurant. Doing something that surprise you can bring the happiest of smiles to your face. Sometimes, it’s the most sensational and surreal feeling to do something that you never knew was in your nature. Think about it carefully and do something that truly makes you happy. If you want to book that once in a lifetime trip, or take part in a trek for a charity you have always wanted to do, but never had the nerve to – DO IT.
Stay off social media
Social media is everywhere. No matter how you try to escape social media sites, such as Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, we seem to be possessed with the idea of posting our every move to our followers. Social media is not only addictive, but destructive to our mental well-being. Social media has the power to wipe that smile off your face quicker than you can blink, so why not bring it back, by switching off. Turn your phone off in meetings, or during your working hours, or even when you go to bed. We’re all guilty of waking up and checking our phones for social media updates instantaneously, so it’s time to stay off social media, and give yourself some time to yourself.
Spend time with people you care about
Busy schedules and not enough hours in the day is all in part of being an adult, but one of the guilt-free ways of putting a smile on your face, is by visiting those you love very dearly. Whether it is friends, or family, or your elderly next-door neighbor you keep an eye on, there is nothing like home comforts and knowing you have spent time with someone else other than your work colleagues, making them know that you’re thinking about them. Even if it’s for an hour, a cup of coffee can go a long way.