Posts tagged COVID-19
The Science of Smiling: Can a Smile During These Tough Times During COVID-19 Help Our Mood?

The science of smiling is one area of study in psychology that has always fascinated me. We have all heard the expression that smiling takes less muscle activity than frowning. Now new research from the University of South Australia has found that your mind is more positive when you smile.

We do know that the effect of a smile on others is that they feel more at ease. There is a relationship between observing a smiling person and letting down one’s guard or feeling more at ease. The vagus nerve sends more calming signals to the brain when we observe a smiling person in our environment. Smiling also can lead to a reciprocal response from another. When you smile at a passerby, they are more likely to smile in return.

There are clearly social benefits of smiling.

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An Expert View of Surviving Anxiety and Worry During International Insecurity

Can you define worry? Our brains have the incredible capacity to think about the future. We can think into the future to anticipate problems, envision barriers to success and plan for solutions to move forward.

Thinking ahead into the future is a valuable asset when we are seeking to achieve our goals. A recent goal for many if not most is how to stay safe during the pandemic.

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