Smile!

Today is the giving challenge put together by the Patterson Foundation of Sarasota. If you able to give, starting at noon today – every gift to Dial Hope up to $100 is matched by their foundation. Go to our website – www.dialhope.org to find out more.

I recently listened to a TED talk given by Ron Gutman who is the founder and CEO of Health Tap. Ron reviewed a host of studies about smiling and shared some amazing findings.

Did you know that even when you are not feeling happy to begin with, a simple smile will make you feel better. In fact, brain imaging studies have found that one smile gives us the equivalent boost as 2,000 bars of chocolate! And one smile also gives us the same boost as we’d feel if we received a gift of $25,000 cash!

Studies have also found that smiling can also make you healthier. Smiling reduces the level of stress inducing hormones and increases the number of mood enhancing ones. It also has been proven to lower blood pressure. A recent study out of Penn State found that smiling makes us look good in the eyes of others – not only more likable and courteous – but also more competent. On top of all that, smiling is contagious. It is very difficult to frown when looking at a smiling face!

Mother Teresa once said, “I will never understand all the good that a simple smile can accomplish.”

Smile!

Let us pray: We thank you, Gracious God, for a built in health enhancer, mood lifter and attitude adjuster. Help us remember to make full use of our ability to smile. We smile even now as we remember your blessing in our lives, through Jesus Christ. Amen.