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What is the purpose of smiling

What is the purpose of smiling

Smiling is not only healthy but very contagious to others. It takes less muscles and energy to create a smile over a frown. It takes only 11 muscles to smile yet it takes 12 muscles to frown. So sometimes more it actually not better. You would have a harder time making a business deal while only frowning as compared to smiling.

Smiling also helps with neurotransmitters.

Smiling help with the release of:

  • Serotonin
  • Dopamine
  • Endorphins

Post stroke or trauma facial muscle exercises:

Hypoxia from any reason to cause damage can cause nerve and muscle damage. Stroke or even trauma like hypoxia or cardiac arrest can cause nerve and muscle paralysis anywhere including the face which effect movement which then leads to long-term effects like atrophy. Muscles that have become atrophied or weak cause a weakness or in some areas of the body a terminology called muscle droop. In the arms this weakness or droop makes it hard to wave or clap. In the face it makes it hard to smile, speak, and laugh. Simple things like clearing the throat or nose blowing or whistling is harder. Exercises for the face are recommended in post stroke or post hypoxia therapy to help regain full or partial facial movement. Just work on trying to move all the parts of your face even if you can’t feel them. Use a mirror or have someone face you to guide you. Tell them not to get offended if no or only little movement as this is a work in progress. Do the same with all of your body in fact; fingers, hands, arms toes, feet, legs, abdomen, chest, head. Laughing and coughing also help stimulate these muscles.

By practicing these exercises repeatedly, or repetition your brain learns to use different neural pathways to regain facial control. Other areas with the help of robotic suites and other therapies have proven this repetition effect works, time and practice will eventually start showing but the duration of time will vary from person to person. Remember learning and practicing speed typing by feel, well this works the same way. Some will see effects in a couple weeks, others a few months, and some it will take a year. Don’t give up. Sometimes you are the scientist who will break new ground for the future.

Benefit to Smiling and laughter