I’m a people watcher. I guess it comes with the territory of being a single mother and an author. Many times I’ll get ideas for characters just by sitting and observing people while at my local coffee shop, doctor’s office, or wherever I happen to be that day. Something I’ve noticed is that people who smile more tend to look younger.
We use approximately 17 facial muscles to smile yet 43 to wear a frown. Is it no wonder that people who constantly wear a grim look on their faces tend to age years before happier people?
I’ve heard some women say that they don’t like smiling because it increases the depth of crow’s feet around the eyes and forehead wrinkles. I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather be known for my laugh lines than my frown lines. There’s something alluring about a person who has those telltale crinkles when they grin. It’s a mute message saying, “I’m friendly, outgoing, and life is a good.”
Smiling a wide smile can not only strengthen facial muscles and make you look younger, but some believe that it can ward off stress and increase lifespan as well. Wearing a grin can help your body release feel-good chemicals that reduce blood pressure and can even boost the immune system. A heartfelt smile reaches clear to the eyes and helps you exude that certain chemistry that can attract people and improve relationships.
There are times when wrinkles can get out of hand though. Most people want to remain as youthful as they can for as long as they can. Nowadays there are simple and cost effective cosmetic procedures such as microdermabrasion. This method rubs away dead and damaged skin cells, revealing younger and smoother skin while fine lines, age spots, and acne scarring fades.
However, for a cost-free face lift simply smile widely. You just may find your life changing in positive ways, along with looking vibrant and youthful.