Often when we're upset, the last thing we want to do is smile and pretend to be happy. It may even seem absurd to consider smiling when you're anything but cheerful. However, there's a surprising truth: acting happy and smiling can indeed make you feel better.
You might have come across the phrase, “Fake it till you make it.” This applies to emotions too. If you're feeling down, pretend to be happy until you actually feel it. Simulating happiness and smiling can alleviate sadness or help you deal with everyday challenges.
The Advantages of Mimicking Happiness
Have you ever been upset and someone tried to lift your spirits? Your instinct might be to wish they'd leave you alone. After all, they don't understand what you're going through. But before you react negatively, try to smile and pretend everything's fine. You might be surprised at the results.
Smiling can trick your body into thinking you're happy. When you smile, your body produces more dopamine, a hormone linked to happiness. Another hormone, serotonin, which reduces stress, also increases when you smile. This simple act can fool your body into thinking it's experiencing joy.
Generally, happier people have lower stress levels. High stress can negatively impact your health, including causing your heart rate to spike. But a simple smile can help counteract this, reducing your heart rate and stress levels!
The Power of Smiling Exercises
Some people start their day with a few minutes of smiling. It's part of their daily routine, just like going to the gym. Some even do this exercise with their partner. If that feels strange, or you don't have a partner, you can simply smile at your reflection in the mirror.
This practice is common in certain professions, such as sales call centers or dispatch jobs, where employees often deal with unhappy customers. Workers in these environments may take 30 to 60-second breaks every hour or two just to smile. This refreshes the mind and body, reduces job-related stress, and prevents burnout.
In high-stress call centers, some workers even put on a clown nose when dealing with difficult customers. Try getting mad while wearing a clown nose! Maybe we should all keep one handy!
Can Pretending to Be Happy Have Negative Effects?
If someone constantly pretends to be happy during tough times, they might not be addressing the real issue. Faking happiness without dealing with the underlying problem could potentially lead to increased depression, and pretending becomes harder each time. So while smiling and acting happy isn't a cure-all, it can help manage difficult moments without breaking down.
Therefore, does pretending to be happy worsen things? Not at all. It helps elevate your mood, allowing you to tackle issues more objectively when you're ready, rather than focusing only on the negative.
Embrace Happiness
Sounds easy, doesn't it? And it can be! Learning to smile during hard times can fortify you. It can lead to a better understanding of challenging situations, improve relationships, and help you find joy in unexpected places. It's about finding the positive in everything, or the silver lining.
Remember, it's essential to address any issues hindering your true happiness and not to ignore them for too long.
