Close your eyes. Think about the last time someone smiled at you. Did you find yourself wanting to smile back at this person? Smiling is a powerful gesture to connect two strangers. It’s how babies bond with parental figures. It’s how we show that we are happy.

But have you ever wondered why we smile? It’s believed that smiling originated from what is known as a “fear grin,” which was when primates would show their teeth when in distress to show that they were harmless. Over time, this evolved into smiling as we know it today.

Research has found numerous benefits to smiling. It relieves stress, aids heart health, reduces blood pressure, and lowers cholesterol levels. Smiling stimulates the brain to release endorphins such as serotonin (the feel-good chemical!) Some research even suggests that smiling can help you live longer, as having a positive mood is part of a healthy lifestyle.

So the next time you smile, remember that not only does smiling feel good, but that it improves your health too. If that isn’t something to smile about, I’m not sure what is.

By: Wendy Yurek