There are many proven genuine health benefits from smiling and laughter. Let’s start with smiling.

As noted in medical research, smiling activates the release of our natural human neurotransmitters within our body that work toward fighting off stress. These neurotransmitters are chemical agents that serve as messengers within the human brain.

Our internal “feel good” neurotransmitters, including dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin, are released when a smile flashes across our face. This relaxes our body, can lower our heart rate, and reduce our blood pressure.

Many of us may well underestimate the positive impact a simple smile may have when we interact with others.

A smile is non-verbal, but it can carry a strong positive message to the person or persons to whom it is directed.

Medical specialists have studied the effects of humor and laughter on healing. They agree that laughter provides health benefits.

Laughter offers physiological, psychological, social, spiritual, and overall quality-of-life benefits. There are no negative effects of laughter, and it should go without saying that laughter is really good for us.

Scientifically speaking, there are no medical reasons not to laugh.

Here are some of my favorite quotes about smiling: 1. “We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.” – Saint Mother Teresa 2. “A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” – William Arthur Ward 3. “A smile is happiness you’ll find right under your nose.” – Tom Wilson 4. “Most smiles are started by another smile.” – Frank A. Clark 5. “I have witnessed the softening of the hardest of hearts by a simple smile.” – Goldie Hawn 6. “Nothing you wear is more important than your smile.” – Connie Stevens