Originally established to promote dental health, this year National Smile Week runs from August 8th through August 14th. With the events of the past year and a half, it may be difficult to find something to smile about, but that is precisely why you need to make time to smile. Whether you feel like smiling or not, putting a smile on your face—even if it is a “fake” smile—sends signals to your brain that cause it to release chemicals that boost your mood. Smiling also gives your immune system a boost, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and may even increase longevity. So the next time things aren’t going your way, force yourself to smile. A short time thereafter, you may find things aren’t quite as bad as they first seemed. And what better time to practice than during National Smile Week?
