We\u2019ve all heard the question, \u201cIf a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear, does it make a sound?\u201d\u00a0 As I was out and about with me N95 mask on today I thought to myself, \u201cIf you have a smile on my face but no one can see your mouth cause you’re wearing a mask, is it still worth smiling?\u201d Of course it is!!!\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For starters, even with a mask on people still notice your smile, even when they can\u2019t see your mouth. They are able to still see the smile in your eyes, and the happy little smile lines on the sides of your face, and they can hear your smile in the tone of your voice. \u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don’t believe me? Then believe the science. In an article in Scientific America, Stella Marie Hombach writes, \u201cPeople\u2019s ability to recognize emotional expressions does not get worse if their mouth and nose are covered. A real smile does not only move the mouth. Facial muscles\u2014the zygomaticus major and the orbicularis oculi\u2014also contract. The corners of the mouth turn up, and laugh lines appear around the eyes. In the study, observing the area around the eyes was usually enough to recognize someone else\u2019s feelings. \u201c \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A mask on your face doesn’t mask your smile – people do still see it, and they feel it, and as a result it’s contagious and causes them to smile too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On top of what it does for others is what a smile does for you. As Nicole Spector shares, \u201cScience has shown that the mere act of smiling can lift your mood, lower stress,\u00a0boost your immune system\u00a0and possibly even prolong your life\u2026.A smile spurs a chemical reaction in the brain, releasing certain hormones including dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine increases our feelings of happiness. Serotonin release is associated with reduced stress\u2026 In other words, smiling can trick your brain into believing you\u2019re happy which can then spur actual feelings of happiness.\u201d\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s just a fact – when we smile we feel happier. And when we smile, others smile and feel happier too. So never let a mask keep you from smiling because smiling is worth it, for you and for everyone you come in contact with. So spread the happiness!!! #worthit<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have a great weekend everyone. And SMILE! <\/p>\n\n\n\n