The idea that smiling when you are not necessarily joyful can actually improve your mood, is called the facial feedback hypothesis. The first experiment to test this was performed in 1988 and involved three different subject groups holding a pencil in different ways, in their hand or in their mouth vertically or horizontally (making them smile or frown). They then viewed cartoons and recorded how funny they were. The group who was smiling found them the funniest and the group that was frowning did not appreciate them as much. Not only can smiling make you happier but you could potentially better your mood by walking in a more jovial manner. Smiling is contagious because mirror neurons which help us to empathize with others, so not only could smiling help you but also others around you. Some other benefits of smiling include: decreased stress, lowered heart rate, lowered blood pressure and longer life span.
