Do you ever get annoyed when someone asks you, "Why aren't you smiling?" Well, there's a reason for it.
A smile can be contagious no matter what mood you are in at that very moment. One time after a long drawn out stressful day at work with altercations, I was not feeling in the mood to go shopping but needed to buy lunch sandwiches from Costco since I was out of them at home. Someone made a lasting impression to keep me angry on the way to the store and while shopping. Just as I approached one of the many long lines at the registers, there sat a baby inside a shopping cart in front of me. I couldn't help but oogle at him. When our eyes met, he instantly smiled at me and there went mine right back at him. It was like a reflex. No thinking involved, just an automatic reaction. After that, I really couldn't think of what made me angry. My attention was only at his smile. He glanced at me a few more times with that smile almost larger than his face. Something as simple as a smile can lift your day.
(Photo by: lifehack.org)
Food for Thought:
Have you heard someone mention to you before that it takes fewer muscles to smile compared to a frown on your face? The approximate number of muscles is still being argued today, but according to How Stuff Works, "it takes 10 muscles to produce a smile and 6 for a frown." This does not mean one shouldn't try to smile more. It simply means that the more you smile, the more muscles exercised to do so adjusts to where it is much easier to smile than frown regardless of the quantity.
https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/emotions/muscles-smile1.htm
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When sh*t hits the fan, turn the frown upside down. If you need a little help, a calendar of cute puppies by your computer would do the trick. Mine is usually full of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, of course. But that's me! Currently, it's a Peanuts calendar with Charlie Brown throwing the kite to a tree saying, "Here..Take it." Hehe
https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/emotions/muscles-smile1.htm
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When sh*t hits the fan, turn the frown upside down. If you need a little help, a calendar of cute puppies by your computer would do the trick. Mine is usually full of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, of course. But that's me! Currently, it's a Peanuts calendar with Charlie Brown throwing the kite to a tree saying, "Here..Take it." Hehe
A smile can be left behind after a good chuckle as well. So feel free to pop some popcorn and watch some funnies while staying at home away from the coronavirus and COVID-19 disease.
Hope everyone stays safe.
Don't forget! No matter what, you can always shine on.
