Smiling regularly may improve mood and health, experts say

Several news outlets, including NBC Connecticut, NBC Los Angeles, and WDIO, reported that regularly smiling can positively impact mood and health. Experts explain that smiling influences hormones and brain chemicals linked to stress regulation and positive feelings.

According to WDIO and click2houston.com, smiling can lower cortisol, a stress hormone, and increase endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, which are associated with happiness. The practice of smiling is being encouraged in some schools and workplaces to foster positivity and improve emotional well-being.

Research discussed by Jeanne Tsai, a Stanford psychology professor, supports the 'facial feedback hypothesis,' which suggests that the physical act of smiling can enhance feelings of amusement and improve mood, even without social interaction.

The Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts has incorporated the philosophy that smiling creates a supportive environment, helping students feel relaxed, motivated, and confident, according to WDIO.

Experts recommend not waiting for a reason to smile but simply turning a frown upside down as a way to influence emotions positively, as reported by multiple sources including NBC Connecticut and click2houston.com.