Many studies have shown that a smile is all we need to contribute to a happy and healthy life. Smiling helps release endorphins, dopamine and serotonin—also known as our happy hormones. When our body releases these feel good neurotransmitters, it directly impacts our mood and helps alleviate stress, and relax our body.

Simply activating a smile contributes to a positive neurological reaction. In other words, when your facial muscles say you’re happy, you’re more likely to experience the world in a more positive light.

Smiling has significant psychological, neurological, and health benefits, including increasing dopamine, serotonin, and endorphin levels, reducing stress, improving mood, and enhancing overall well-being.

Smiling can influence your feelings of positivity, even if it feels unnatural or forced. Regardless of whether or not your smile is genuine, it still sends the message that "Life is good!" to your brain and, ultimately, the rest of your body.