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Say Cheese!
Smiling is energizing. Not only does it exercise and stretch your facial muscles, and thereby generate energy, it is difficult to smile and still feel glum or lethargic. When you have a smile on your face, it's contagious.
People react to your smile positively. It's hard to be with a person who is smiling without doing so yourself. Have you ever watched someone get his or her photo taken? Even when watching someone smile in that situation, we find ourselves grinning right back.
Did you know that your voice changes when you are smiling? You can actually hear a smile. If you listen carefully to radio announcers or voice-overs on commercials, you can tell when the y are smiling. Your smile can not only energize you, but also the person you are with, even if it's over the telephone.
Try this one for the next week and see how you feel:
The second you are aware of waking in the morning (after turning off the alarm clock, if necessary), put a big smile on your face. Keep it there for at least 16 seconds.* Then, continue with your morning routine.
Our mind and our body are connected, and react to the cues that each gives. The physical act of smiling can "trick" your mind into thinking all is right with the world. What a great frame of mind to start your day and what an easy way to practice self care!
*The 16 Second Smile is a tip from my friend, Mary Marcdante, in her book, Living with Enthusiasm: How the 21-Day Smile Diet Can Change Your Life.
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