Dr. James Surrell, Journal columnist

Today, I would like to review the very positive impact a simple smile may have on all of us when we interact with others. Of course, a smile is non-verbal, but it can truly carry a very strong positive message to the person or persons to whom it is directed. Let us now take a look at some of the impact a simple smile may have on a person that has a true smile sent their way.

First, here are ten very profound quotes that certainly tell us very much about smiles.

1. We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do. – Saint Mother Teresa

2. A warm smile is the universal language of kindness. – William Arthur Ward

3. A gentle word, a kind look, a good-natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles. – William Hazlitt

4. A smile is the light in your window that tells others that there is a caring, sharing person inside. – Denis Waitley

5. Smile in the mirror. Do that every morning and you’ll start to see a big difference in your life. – Yoko Ono

6. A smile is happiness you’ll find right under your nose. – Tom Wilson

7. Most smiles are started by another smile. – Frank A. Clark

8. Wear a smile and have friends; wear a scowl and have wrinkles. – George Eliot

9. I have witnessed the softening of the hardest of hearts by a simple smile. – Goldie Hawn

10. Nothing you wear is more important than your smile. – Connie Stevens

Now, let’s take a brief look at some of the science and human physiology about our smiles.

Following is a common definition of a human “smile”. A smile is a facial expression formed primarily by flexing the muscles at the sides of the mouth. Further, a true smile will also include a contraction of the muscles at the corner of the eyes. It is well accepted that a genuine human smile is truly an expression that shows pleasure, sociability, happiness, joy, or amusement.

So, what are the many biological benefits of smiling? According to “Psychology Today” magazine, smiling activates the release of our natural human neurotransmitters within our body that work toward fighting off stress. These neurotransmitters are chemical agents that serve as messengers within the human brain. Our internal “feel good” neurotransmitters, including dopamine, endorphins and serotonin, are all released when a smile flashes across our face. Therefore, this simple act of smiling will serve to relax our body, and can also lower our heart rate and reduce our blood pressure.

The bottom line is that a simple human smile has a truly significant effect on our brain chemistry. When we smile, this causes endorphins and other internal brain chemicals to be released. The action of these brain chemicals will help reduce any internal tension we may be feeling. They will also help us deal with other outside stressful situations that we may be experiencing. Now, don’t just sit there, give me a smile!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Jim Surrell is the author of “The ABC’s For Success In All We Do” and the “SOS (Stop Only Sugar) Diet” books. Contact Dr. Surrell by email at sosdietdoc@gmail.com.