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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