World Smile Day has been observed on the first Friday of the month since 1999 (who knew?)—so this year it’s tomorrow. The official theme, as established by its founder, Harvey Ball, is “Do an act of kindness. Help one person smile.”
As Douglas Horton once said, “…(I)t’s free therapy.”
Recent Psychology
Heather Lench, PhD, Psychology Today, cites three ways it helps the doer: it makes you happier, signals others you want to engage, and it’s contagious.
Leslie Becker-Phelps, PhD, Psychology Today: “…When the chemicals in your brain create the feeling of happiness, you will naturally smile… (Y)our body often responds by producing those same ‘happiness hormones.’ (In case you are interested, those chemicals are dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins.)”
Four ways to get the benefits:
- Identify something positive and smile.
- Hold a half-smile.*
- Smile when interacting with others.
- Pay attention to any sense of disconnection or emotional pain you may feel when you smile.
*Number two is a Buddhist idea involving about 10 minutes of your time, and it may do wonders.
Susan Krauss Whitbourne, PhD, Psychology Today: “Other than avoiding the untrustworthy, the idea that a smile (especially a mimicked one) can help you be seen in a more positive light can help guide you to smoother relationships. True, there are times when you might be annoyed, but ask yourself whether the price in terms of the impression you convey is worth allowing your true feelings to show through.”
The Song (See Below Video)
Perhaps the most famous version of this Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977) tune came in 1954, sung by Nat King Cole (1919-1965). But over 1000 covers exist. A top contemporary take is by the a capella group Voctave, who recorded the following video during the initial COVID crisis. For a few seconds it’s just a normal rendition, then their beautiful harmonies take this to special places.
Watching this treat could actually serve as the first part of your 10-minute half-smile today. 😉
