The Surprising Science of Smiling
I can’t believe how powerful smiles are.
Even if it is a forced smile, when you curl up the corners of your lips, endorphins immediately flood your brain.
It triggers dopamine, which accelerates your body’s feeling of bliss and euphoria by triggering your reward nerve centers.
Go On A Rampage…
Author Jack Canfield, who wrote Chicken Soup For The Soul, encourages you to go on a gratitude rampage.
Gratitude is enormously powerful for changing our attitude and rewiring negative thoughts.
Expert Allison Waddell talks about how important gratitude is in the photo above.
If you don’t have time to watch this quick three minute video about gratitude, here’s an idea.
First, think about things you’re grateful for in general.
“I’m so grateful I have a job.”
“I’m grateful my child slept through the night.”
“I’m grateful for this great hair day.”
“I’m grateful for that new bracelet I splurged for this weekend.”
“I’m grateful that the weekend is coming/ or over!”
Now give thanks for the very thing that’s pissing you off.
“I have a flat tire, but I have a car!”
“My child is tantruming, but he’s healthy!”
“My husband is acting like a tool, but he was so helpful this weekend watching the kids.”
Harvard Health notes that gratitude is linked with greater happiness.
After all, how could you actually be sour when you’re able to turn that frown instantly upside down?
Be With People Who Speak Your (Love) Language…
When I’m sad or exhausted, I love hugs.
I will let the grocery store clerk hug me.
I’ll squander my wiggly son and hug him until he screeches.
I’ll let my mechanic hug me. Well, maybe not my mechanic.
Another love language of mine is quality time.
During my most pissed off moment of this entire year, my boyfriend and I went rock climbing.
I love quality time, and even though people were pissing me off, I climbed well and was happy to have company while I focused on something challenging that diverted my attention from the people who were hurting me.
After the climb we bathed in some nearby hot springs and I got out a great cry.
Sometimes feeling love in the way I am designed to receive it helps me turn my attitude around miraculously fast. and even process anger or sadness I’m struggling with.
How are you able to turn around your anger or sadness without making a mess of business, things, and relationships in your life?
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