When most people think about yoga, they picture pretzel-like twists, headstands and other contorted movements. But there’s a simpler pose you might not have thought of: smiling. Practising smiling to yourself on a daily basis not only relieves facial tension and makes you look and feel more relaxed, it also gives you a natural facelift. More importantly, it has serious
healing power, both inside and out.

Healing effects of a smile

In ancient China, Taoist masters taught that a constant inner smile ensured health, happiness and longevity. Smiling was recommended in times of stress, anger, fear and impatience. Ancient masters knew what scientists are discovering: Smiling promotes the secretion of healing hormones such as “ecstatic” endorphins and immune-boosting T-cells. Smiling can
help lower your blood pressure, relax muscles (think nature’s Botox), improve respiration, reduce pain, accelerate healing and stabilize your moods. And if that doesn’t convince you to try it, consider that frowning is thought to trigger the secretion of harmful stress hormones that not only contribute to a host of health problems like weight gain and heart attacks but can
actually shorten your lifespan too.

Give it a try

No one can say they don’t have time to smile. Close your eyes, frown and inhale a few breaths. Now bring an inner smile to your face and take a few more breaths. The inner smile is as easy as lifting the outer edges of your lips and your eyes. Notice how much more breath comes in with the smile? Hold this inner smile for one minute. Use the bathroom mirror to check your face. The expressions you unknowingly hold can make that inner smile difficult to maintain. Is
your smile too slight like the Mona Lisa’s? Adjust the posture and try again. Once you have your smile mastered, take this practice out of your homespa and use it wherever you go.

Fake it till you make it

But what if you simply don’t feel like smiling? Although a heartfelt smile will have a deeper effect, a surface smile is still thought to trick the brain into releasing those “happy hormones.”

Smiling is contagious

Not only does smiling work wonders for your health, it actually boosts the well-being of those around you too. British researchers have found that receiving a smile from someone else can give more pleasure than eating chocolate or even having sex. So for your own well-being and the well-being of others, pass a smile forward and spread the good times.