You May Not Do Enough Of It… SMILE!
It's the beginning of 2009, and as we featured in last month's Senior Matters column, resolutions can be the last thing on our minds. Think of resolutions and you may conjure up visions of additional responsibility, self-doubt, and the reminder that we are all far from perfect. But just as we encouraged caregivers to commit to a "respite resolution" last month, we are encouraging everyone to dedicate 2009 to one more easy resolution - smiling.
You may be thinking "I'm 70 years old and have done my fair share of smiling. There's less and less these days to smile about." Well, we are here to remind you that not only is that not true, but smiling can bring along numerous health benefits, which will keep us living longer and looking at things in a more positive light.
Why should we smile?
Smiling makes us look spectacular. We are attracted to people who smile. Aren't you?
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Smiling helps us beat stress. You are better able to take action and eliminate whatever is stressing you with a smile on your face.
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Smiling lowers blood pressure. When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Don't believe it? If you have a blood pressure monitor at home, try it out. Sit for about 4 minutes and then take a reading. Then smile for a minute (think of something that makes you smile) and take another reading. Did you notice a difference?
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Smiling is contagious. Perhaps you are a caregiver to your spouse or friend. Your smiling will spread to your loved one - and they will reap the health benefits too!
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Smiling boosts our self-esteem and our immune system. Smiling helps us relax, which in turn helps our immune system. Our self-esteem also receives a boost because we feel more attractive, successful, and younger.
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Smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Smiling is a natural drug. Studies have proven this!
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Smiling gives us a natural facelift. The muscles that we use to smile lift the face and make us look younger.
For some of us, the bigger question may be: How do we smile? Of course, smiling is a natural response to feelings of happiness, joy, and peace. How do we spur more positive feelings, resulting in a great big grin? There are more reasons to smile than could ever be listed, but here are some tips for starting your smile resolution:
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Pull out those old photos. One single photo can bring on a million memories - and a big smile.
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Rent a funny movie. Have an old favorite that you haven't viewed in ages? It's time to watch it again. Allow yourself to smile and laugh at every part you find humorous.
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Read the comics. Don't just read the serious sections of the newspaper. Never skip the comics - and cut out and hang up your favorites.
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Surround yourself with friends and hobbies. You are never too old to meet new friends, join a group, or take up a new hobby.
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Give back. We are all blessed with special talents or resources. Share yours - not only will you smile, but many others will too.