A Smile A Day…

Ever notice that when we’re feeling crummy, if we turn up the corners of our mouth into a smile, something magical starts to happen – we feel better.

Smiling triggers positive memories, while thinking of something positive makes us smile in return.  Some researchers theorize that how our facial muscles are arranged can create temperature changes in the brain. When we smile, the brain relaxes and becomes cooler.  And, the cooler temperature actually triggers happiness!

While a smile can improve our mood, it’s important to “keep it real”.  To stimulate genuine smiles, try placing pictures of silly, delightful or beloved people, things and events in kids’ school agenda or coat pocket, on the refrigerator and in any other place where they’ll encounter them regularly!