Following up on last month’s blog about exercise and happiness, in a study recently published in Experimental Psychology, researchers found that even if you do not feel like smiling, faking or forcing one can still have positive mental health benefits. Whether real or fake, smiling activates specific facial muscles. When activated, these muscles send a signal to the amygdala (the emotion center of the brain) which then releases mood-elevating neurotransmitters. In other words, we can trick our brain into feeling happy and positive. In this case, perception is as important as reality. Done often enough, perception can become reality.
Faking a smile can make you happier
Dr. Daniel Thomas, DO, MS
Dr. Thomas is a highly regarded and sought-after physician whose medical expertise has been shaped by extensive education and refined over 39 years of clinical practice. His work centers on unlocking the science of longevity enhancement and helping people with cancer find a clearer path toward resolution. His strength lies in his scientific curiosity, creative and analytical thinking, and practical application of cutting-edge research. Despite the demands of a busy medical practice, Dr. Thomas devotes 20–30 hours a week outside the office to reviewing the latest scientific literature and consulting with leading scientists to identify promising treatments. He shares his evidence-based insights at ThomasHealthBlog.com and in his forthcoming book, “Healthier After 50: A Smarter Path to Aging Well,” which will distill decades of clinical wisdom into a practical guide for living healthier, happier, and longer. Dr. Thomas can be reached at info@healthyandstrong.com.