Does Frowning Make You Happy?

Do you remember the song titled, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin?

The song was released in September 1988 and became the first a cappella song to reach number one on America’s the Billboard Hot 100 chart, a position which it held for two weeks. Some parts of the song really resonate with a quote I’m sharing with you today:

“Here is a little song I wrote 

You might want to sing it note for note

Don't worry, be happy
In every life we have some trouble
When you worry you make it double

Don’t worry, be happy

Ain't got no cash, ain't got no style

Ain't got no girl to make you smile
But don't worry, be happy
Cause when you worry
Your face will frown
And that will bring everybody down
So don't worry, be happy.”

Of a truth, it is a known fact that smiling is good for the body. It happens without much thought, takes less energy and is a natural thing to do. The face uses only 17 muscles to smile and a whooping 43 muscles to frown! It is fair to say that frowning releases sadness whilst smiling produces happiness.

Apart from this, smiling can be hugely infectious. Smile at someone and the possibility is that they may smile back at you. Since the 1980s, research studies have proved a number of times that smiling makes people happy. How? When you smile, a message is sent to your brain that you are happy which results in your body pumping out, all kinds of feel-good and positive endorphins.

So what are Endorphins?

They are natural hormones in your body which are released when certain activities are carried out – such as smiling or exercising. Endorphins can be found in the pituitary gland and in other parts of the brain. Once released, they are distributed throughout the nervous system. Endorphins naturally fight against stress, giving you a feeling of greater well-being. Come to think of it, it may just be true what Voltaire says in our quote of today:

“I have decided to be happy because it is good for my health” - Voltaire

Reiterating that point, I have decided to smile, even laugh at myself (a lot more), because it is good for my health. 

What decision will you make today for your own happiness?

Frowning is not good for you, just as Bob McFerrin sang. When you frown, “that will bring everybody down. So don’t worry, be happy”.   

Click the share button below, if you found this post useful. Thank you.

Have a great weekend and smile because it is good for your health!

Radiance and Love,

Wumi