Can a Forced Smile Change Mood and Emotion?
A large meta study by researchers at the University of Tenn. and Texas A&M looked at 138 scientific studies with more than 11,000 participants to determine if facial expressions - including the simple smile - can affect mood and emotional state. The answer, "absolutely yes!"
Results may be short lived, but there are measurable changes in mood and emotion when you smile, frown, or scowl.
4 Easy Actions to Improve Emotional Wellbeing
This episode summarizes study findings and offers three easy actions to improve your emotional wellbeing.
They are:
They are:
- Take periodic breaks throughout the day. Stop what you’re doing, sit or stand comfortably, and take take three comfortable breaths as you yawn, sigh, and stretch.
- Smile! Smile whether you feel like smiling or not. Hold the smile for at least 15 to 20 seconds or more.
- Say the word, “Peace” and allow the vibration of the word to flow through your body as you smile.
- Again, breathe comfortably as you yawn, sigh, and stretch and smile again before returning to your activities.
For more Stress Mastery methods visit the, “Mind Over Stress Show” website at http://MindOverStress.us.
Here are study related links:
"The Key to Happiness? Just Smile Study Suggests"; https://www.studyfinds.org/key-to-happiness-smiling-more-frequently/
"A Meta-analysis of the facial feedback literature: Effects of facial feedback on emotional experience are small and variable"; https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fbul0000194
