World Smile Day 2023: 10 Health Benefits of Laughing and Smiling

Today, October 6, 2023, is known as World Smile Day, and the main aim of establishing this day as a global celebration is to make people smile and help them realise the value of a genuine smile for both themselves and those around them.

Every year, World Smile Day has the same theme. Therefore, the 2023 World Smile Day theme is “Do an act of kindness. Help one person smile.” Make just one person happy. A graphic designer from Worcester, Massachusetts by the name of Harvey Ball came up with the concept for World Smile Day. In the year 1963, he invented the smiling face symbol, which quickly achieved popularity in popular culture. The legacy of Harvey’s creativity has spread around the globe.

On the morning of World Smile Day in 2023, let’s learn more about the importance and health benefits of smiling and laughing.

What Are the Benefits of Laughter or a Smile?

Laughter lowers stress hormones, eases physical tension throughout the body, and lowers blood pressure, all of which are beneficial for heart health.

Laughing and smiling not only lift your spirits but also ease tension in your muscles by increasing blood circulation.

When you feel happy, such as when you smile or laugh, your brain experiences a chemical change that results in the production of small proteins called neuropeptides that support immunological tolerance and may aid in the defence against potentially fatal diseases.

Dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin are three chemicals that are released when you smile; these substances “trick” your body into feeling happier because low levels of these hormones are linked to depression.

Increased laughter over time helps raise the pain threshold and also helps establish a higher pain tolerance since endorphins released when smiling momentarily lessen minor pain or body aches.

Maintaining a cheerful attitude has tangible health benefits, including an extended life span, improved cardiovascular health, and a decrease in depression rates. Smiling provides a positive emotion.

Your longevity increases when you smile. It is said that cheerful people live longer and are in better health.

Your immune system performs better when you smile because you are more relaxed, which enhances immunological function and improves your general health.

Even if you fake it or don’t feel like smiling, smiling might alleviate stress. It has been stated that consciously smiling while under stress will help you feel better and be better able to handle the situation.