The Power of a Smile: Why Something So Simple Can Make a Big Difference
Smiling is something we don’t have to learn—it comes naturally. It’s a behaviour passed down through evolution, going back over 30 million years! Our primate ancestors used early forms of smiling to show they were friendly and not a threat. Over time, this expression became what we now recognise as the universal sign of happiness.
Even babies smile instinctively—it’s one of the first things they do. And when they do, they’re usually met with warmth, attention, and love. This positive response reinforces the behaviour, helping babies feel safe and connected. No matter where you’re from or what language you speak, smiling is something we all do—it’s part of being human.
Charles Darwin (yes, the evolution guy!) also believed that smiling doesn’t just show we’re happy—it can actually make us feel happier. His Facial Feedback Theory suggests that when we smile, even if we don’t feel great to start with, we send a message to our brain that things are okay. And our brain responds by helping us feel a little better.
What Happens in the Brain When You Smile?
Smiling sets off a chain reaction in the brain. Feel-good chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins are released, lifting your mood and helping you feel more relaxed. Serotonin, in particular, acts like a natural antidepressant—it boosts your mood in a similar way to some medications.
Smiling as a Tool for Feeling Better
Smiling can also act as a powerful “anchor” for positive emotions. Think about a time when you’ve smiled before walking into a room or meeting someone new. Even if you weren’t feeling 100%, that smile helped you feel a bit more confident or at ease. That’s the magic of using your smile to shift your emotional state.
In hypnotherapy, we often work with anchors—ways to connect a feeling (like calm, confidence, or happiness) with a physical action. We all create anchors naturally. For example, hearing a song that instantly reminds you of a certain person or moment is a form of emotional anchoring.
Creating Calm Through Anchoring
One simple way to build a positive anchor is by thinking about a calm, happy moment in as much detail as you can—what you saw, heard, felt, even smelled. Then, while holding that feeling in mind, gently squeeze your fingers or touch your wrist. Doing this regularly creates a link between the physical action and the calm emotion. Over time, this connection becomes stronger, forming a new “pathway” in the brain.
And here’s something else that’s interesting: your brain can only focus on about seven things at once. So when you’re fully focused on recalling calm and positive feelings, there’s less room for stress or worry. It’s a simple but effective way to train your brain to feel more in control—and more at ease.
In a nutshell:
Smiling isn’t just something we do when we feel good—it’s something we can use to feel better. Whether it’s a natural response or something we use intentionally, a smile can go a long way in supporting your wellbeing.
