The Impact of a Sm:)e

By Jamie Foster, University of Lethbridge, BASc,

A smile can be seen as a simple gesture, greeting, or display of happiness. But how does smiling impact our brains? Whether you are having a good or bad day, putting a smile on your face has direct benefits for yourself and everyone around you.

When producing a smile, your brain automatically releases hormones and neurotransmitters that can lower stress levels, heart rate, and function as an antidepressant/mood lifter (Riggio, 2012). That being said, a smile can function as a natural way to reduce undesirable moods. Consciously visualizing a smile produced by anyone from a stranger to a close relative, demonstrates a similar response in the brain. Watching others display this familiar facial expression triggers a positive cascade of reactions to occur. This automatically puts the observer(s) in a better emotional state.

When the brain feels safe and secure, it can build a healthy foundation for the brain to develop. In the beginning stages of life, the brain undergoes the most critical periods of growth. The brain is especially vulnerable to its surroundings and experiences due to its higher level of plasticity. Dr. Robbin Gibb explains that “Sensitive periods in brain development are times during which a part of the brain is particularly malleable and dependent on the occurrence of specific experiences in order for the brain to tune its connections and optimize its function.” (Gibb, 2020).

If surrounded by consistent sorrow (i.e., frowning faces) and negative adverse childhood experiences, developmental delay is more likely to transpire. This can result in having an increased chance of poor executive functioning skills, developing high anxiety, poor emotional regulation, and so forth in later years as well as adolescence, “…development characterized by stress and adversity can also lead to adult individuals who are easily stressed and hypervigilant, even in relatively ideal conditions…” (Gibb, Kovalchuk, 2017, p. 23). By being more aware of what a child is experiencing and seeing, these consequences can be limited if provided with the proper support and nurturing. Although a child might not understand a situation completely, they are still able to sense when those around them are not well, or when they are unsafe. Sheltering growing children from hardships and annulling circumstances, allows for optimum brain development and provides a decreased probability of consequence. As Dr. Robbin Gibb says, “Children who have a secure attachment with a nurturing caregiver have someone to turn to when they are feeling distressed, and this caring relationship buffers their stress and promotes development of the child’s emotional regulation and executive function.” (Gibb, 2020). When surrounded by an environment of happiness and comfort (i.e., smiling faces and laughter) the brain is able to flourish, build useful networks, and strengthen neural pathways.

Whether at home or in the community, never underestimate the power of a smile. Do not feel silly sharing a smile with those around you. You never know, it might just be what someone needs to help them grow.

References

Gibb, R., & Kovalchuk, A. (2017). Brain Development. The Neurobiology of Brain and Behavioral Development, 3-27.

Gibb, R. (2020). Brain development. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190236557.013.785

Riggio, R. E. (2012). There’s Magic in Your Smile. Psychology Today.