The Healing Power of a Smile

In the infusion room studying to become an American... and forcing a smile 

The Healing Power of a Smile. Illuminating Moments of Strength Amidst Darkness

Throughout the darkest moments of my battle with metastatic breast cancer, I discovered the transformative impact of both giving and receiving smiles. the simple act of smiling became a source of both personal healing and profound support from those around me. 

Smiling as a Personal Health Benefit:

When soaking wet from the rain, smile.

Smiling is one of the simplest things that we can do to positively impact mental and physical health. Many scientific studies prove the connection between smiling and the release of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, which promote well-being. I will not go into technical explanations, but I encourage you to research this topic. Simply put, when you smile you send a message to the brain saying that “things are good”, this triggers the release of all those hormones and feel-good chemicals that make you happy.

I have personally experienced the effects of smiling during difficult times. I found that forcing a smile as I was getting ready for cancer treatments helped improve my mood and overall outlook. It wasn’t always easy, and sometimes I didn’t believe it would work…but somehow smiling did trick my brain into thinking I was fine. It helped me maintain a positive mindset, cope with stress, and enhance my overall resilience throughout my medical journey.

The Power of a Received Smile:

Smiling is a form of non-verbal communication that transmits positive feelings and, the emotionally uplifting experience of receiving a smile even from a stranger leaves a long-lasting effect.

I remember the immeasurable solace and encouragement found in the genuine smiles of the medical staff that took care of me. Specifically, I remember the smiles of the nurses that greeted me in the infusion room at each chemo round or when smilingly my surgeon held my hand before surgery. Without a single word, they were able to create an empathetic connection while making me feel supported, cared for, and not alone during my battle.

Boogie's beaming smile 

Smiles can be funny too, I was astounded to realize that animals smile too, and their smiles make us feel good. It is a fascinating phenomenon. I have exchanged smiles with a little Yorkie that belongs to a coworker named Boogie. While the human smile has a strong impact I have to admit that Boggie’s beaming smile can too produce all the happy chemicals one needs…..and always gives me a good laugh too.

The Impact of a Given Smile:

Smiling is not always easy, and you can’t smile your way into happiness, but smiling amidst adversity shows strength and resilience.

One way I use smiling in my professional life, is during interviews, smiling makes people feel at ease.  A smile can make people look approachable and it makes the other person feel good. In my personal life, I’ve seen how smiles provide comfort and optimism to my loved ones, reminding them of the importance of hope and positivity.

For the vain part in me, smiling makes us look good and stay younger. When smiling the muscles of the face contract and release, this helps tone the facial muscles. A smile can brighten a face making it attractive, and it makes people feel and look more confident.

The importance of a smile

A smile has profound healing power and a transformative impact both when given and received. Smiling had an immense influence on me during my breast cancer journey and it still influences me in my daily life. I have read a lot of studies about the power of smiling but it wasn’t until I experienced it on me, that I really understood the power of it.

In some cultures, and religions, a smile is a form of charity, so appreciate and utilize the power of smiles in your own life. A smile has the potential to offer strength and compassion to others in their own struggles. These small, impactful gestures can heal, support, and uplift others in ways we may never fully comprehend. Smiling is the universal language of kindness!

Mila's contagious smile

Today try smiling at a stranger, a friend, a coworker a loved one, and let me know the effect it has on you….rest assured that you will have a positive effect on them.