A smile can go a long way
The connection between smile and mental wellness cannot be stressed enough. The same goes for laughter. There are communities in many parts of the world that have laughing clubs where members get together regularly and hold sessions where they laugh aloud for no particular reason. When someone smiles at us, we smile back. A smile is the best form of greeting as it sends out instant positive vibes and the recipient feels encourages, appreciated and generally good. A smile makes a person’s face more attractive and charming. Healthwise, it is proven that a smile has the following benefits.
- Improves mood
- Lowers blood pressure
- Relieves stress
- Boosts the immune system
- Relieves pain
It therefore helps improve relationships and also increase a person’s life expectancy.
The History of World Smile Day
Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Massachusetts, USA created the now ubiquitous yellow smiley face back in 1963 as part of an insurance company campaign. He intended to spread good cheer throughout the world through that icon. Ball proposed that the first Friday in the month of October be dedicated to smiles. It was dubbed World Smile Day. The first World Smile Day was celebrated in 1999.After Bell passed away in 2001, the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation founded in his memory has been the official sponsor of the happy observance. The day is devoted to smiles and encouraging people to undertake acts of kindness. The foundation has, over the years, hosted unique events like the world’s largest human smiley face, balloon releases, choral performances, sidewalk chalk activities, college concerts, circus performers, and pie-eating contests.
What to do on World Smile Day
- Do a random act of kindness for someone.
- Use a smiley face emoji on every text you send.
- Spread cheer by handing out smiley face stickers.
- Present a smile to everyone who you come across.
- Tell interesting stories to put a smile on people’s faces.
- Play happy songs.
- Take a selfie of your own smile and share on social media.
Some Quotes on Smile
- “Peace begins with a smile.” – Mother Teresa.
- “There is fear when frowning. There is love when smiling”- Maxime Lagace.
- “I love those who can smile in trouble”- Leonardo da Vinci.
- “Just for today, smile a little more”- James A. Murphy.
- “People seldom notice old clothes if you wear a big smile” – Lee Mildon.
- “Learn to smile at every situation. See it as an opportunity to prove your strength and ability” – Joe Brown.
- “A smile is the chosen vehicle of all ambiguities” – Herman Melville
- “Wear a smile and have a friend; wear a scowl and have wrinkles” – George Eliot.
