Monday Motivation: Get Your Smile On!
This article was originally published on August 24, 2020 at https://gritdaily.com/monday-motivation-smile-be-happy/
Monday motivation, we need it, stat! We’re all weighed down by the strife in the world and need a boost. Here’s a pick-me-up to launch your week on the right foot. Studies show that your morning mood affects your productivity all day. As it turns out, SMILING can have a boost on your mood and your relationships. Grit Daily is here to get your week off to a good start. Pump your fists – it’s time for Monday motivation!
The Power of a Smile
When you smile, your body releases neuropeptides which help fight off stress. Their release triggers dopamine, serotonin, endorphins and other mood modulators to kick it into gear. The result? It’s kind of a combination of a mild pain reliever and anti-depressant. Some reports even suggest that lower blood pressure, a boosted immune system and better relationships result in people who smile regularly. Plus, we all know that smiles are almost as contagious as yawns! Let’s get smiling, people…
But how did smiles come to be a welcome gesture in humans? Primates and, indeed, most other animals, use teeth-baring as a warning to ward off attack. It’s not a friendly gesture at all! Yet, in humans, the smile has been adopted as the universal greeting for peace and kindness. Here’s the interesting theory: primates, when they clamp their teeth together and bare them, it indicates submission and the experts believe that the human smile may have evolved from there.
“Life is like a mirror – smile at it and it will smile back at you.” ~unknown
Monday motivation tips to smile more
We all want to be happier and putting on a fake smile isn’t going to cut it. So, we need to dig in and do things that truly make us happier. You can do it! There has got to be one teeny weeny little thing that makes you smile?!
#1 – compliment someone unexpectedly
Maybe you’re not that flowery, showy kind of person who’s always gushing over your friends’ clothes, hair, nails or whatever. Or maybe you are that person? If you compliment others often, think about pulling back a bit and “saving” your compliments for the times that they can really make a difference. Has that led to more or less compliments being returned to you?
And if you’re not someone who gives compliments very often, it’s time! Doing so once in a while makes your comment meaningful and boosts the mood of the recipient – that can make your relationship with her/him/them stronger. Not to mention that it’s just a nice thing to do.
“Smile at a stranger – it just might change a life.” ~Steve Maraboli
#2 – boost your ego
You need to do something that makes you feel good, proud and puts a little shot of adrenalin into your ego. Maybe you have a favorite outfit that makes you look fabulous – wear it! Stand in front of the mirror and smile at your reflection. Perhaps you’re a creative person and you can generate a graphic or video or meme or something that others will notice on social media and like. Whatever you need to do, do it! Tell yourself that you ARE worth it, you are good at X and that you deserve to be happy. Smile – you’re ALIVE, you’re here and you’ve got enough spare time to read this article. Life’s not that bad…
“Smile. It’s free therapy.” ~Douglas Horton
#3 – acknowledge that you’re unhappy
Okay, some things have transpired which are cutting into your happiness vibe. It happens. Acknowledge that you haven’t been as happy lately and think about why that is – that’s the first step to changing things up. How much of what is making you unhappy is within your control? And what can you do to make yourself smile? Go on YouTube, find funny cat videos (I’m not kidding) or anything that will make you smile. Do this regularly until you notice that your unhappiness levels are dropping.
If you really want to smile today, check out this viral video about packing on the COVID-19 pounds! It’s spot-on, funny and done brilliantly. Check out “The Fridge Again.”
Extra bits
If you like podcasts, well, wouldn’t you know, we’ve got those, too! Three of them, in fact: 1) Like a Boss with snappy insights; 2) wine down and chill; and 3) Monday motivation. All three are available on all streaming channels including Apple, iHeart Radio, Spotify and more. Tune in! Finally, if you like my writing, check out my new novel, The Battle for Humanity, it’s a thriller you won’t be able to put down.
Have a fabulous week!