Smiling has widespread mental and physical health benefits. More than merely an automatic expression of friendliness, politeness or a good mood, smiling also influences our brain chemistry, triggering feelings of happiness and pleasure.

When a smile is spread across one’s face, the brain sends out neurotransmitters called endorphins, which not only create a happier mood but also help to relieve stress and reduce pain. Even a fake smile can release these neurotransmitters – creating a similar effect.

In addition to endorphins, serotonin is also released in the body. Similarly, serotonin is a brain chemical that acts as a natural antidepressant. Reshaping our mouth from a frown to a smile dramatically shifts our sense of attitude from negative to positive.

“Smiling, even if it’s fake, always improves my mood,” junior Jensen Lindholm said.

Not only does smiling have mental health benefits, but physical as well. According to health reporter Danica Collins, one’s immune system strength, blood pressure, balance and self-control are just a few of the benefits smiling can improve.

The human brain is trained to mimic facial expressions or have reactions due to an automatic responsive part of the brain called cingulate cortex. Turns out, when someone smiles, the natural human response is to smile back.

“When someone smiles at me, I smile back. Not because I feel like I have to, but because it just comes naturally to me,” senior Haley Deters said.

Not only is smiling a natural response to our emotions, but it also takes more effort to frown or make an angry face. According to researcher Kate Devlin, a frown uses almost up to three times as many muscles as a smile uses.

Although frowns are an easy accessory to wear, a smile will make you look even better. They bring comfort to not just others, but ourselves too.

In a recent study done by Harry T. Reis, subjects were asked to view strangers and list them as attractive or unattractive. Almost every subject chose the smiling person every single time. This is due to the fact that a smile reads off as positive and makes one more approachable and confident.

Mark Stibich PhD, a consultant at Columbia University, and contributor to Guide to Longevity, believes smiling may also act as a stress relief.

“When you’re stressed a number of things happen to your body,” Stibich said.

Stibich explains that your pulse rate shoots up, your digestive system shuts down, and your blood sugar levels increase.

“But two things also happen that you have voluntary control over – your breathing becomes shallower and faster and facial expressions kick in. If you can slow your breathing down and change your expression, you may be able to turn around the stress cascade,” Stibich said.

A simple smile can improve one’s health physically and mentally, and many do not know how powerful it can be.