96.3% of Spaniards believe that smiling has psychological benefits, according to the study X-ray of the smile of the Spanish of Dental health.
Body expressions make it possible to express the state of mind of people and, in this sense, the smile has great communicative power capable of reflecting positive feelings such as joy, sympathy or satisfaction.
According to the study, 96.3% of Spaniards believe that smiling has psychological benefits; 95% believe that it is beneficial for society and people; and 93% consider that it improves health. Likewise, almost 8 out of 10 Spaniards (78.9%) give a lot (30.2%) or a lot (48.7%) importance to the people around them smiling.
the power of smile
«The body, through a smile, is capable of secrete hormones such as dopamine, endorphin, oxytocin or serotonin that stimulate the feeling of well-being and minimize anxiety or discouragement. On the other hand, smiling also helps to lower adrenaline and cortisol levels, substances that cause stress, as well as improving cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure,” he says. Jorge Buenavidapsychologist at BluaU de Sanitas.
In this context, Sanitas experts highlight the main psychological benefits of smiling:
- Increase confidence: those who smile frequently are perceived as more social and extroverted beings, which increases self-confidence when establishing new personal relationships. However, people who smile less are often perceived as defiant or disturbing.
- Combat negative feelings: the smile is ideal to face a low mood due to the increase of serotonin and dopamine, which act as a natural antidepressant.
- It enhances sleep quality: Stress is related to a poorer quality of sleep, so smiling frequently lowers both adrenaline and cortisol levels (elements that cause this sensation), thus facilitating sleep conciliation and avoiding insomnia problems.
- Reduce pain: the beta-endorphins that are released when smiling act as natural tranquilizers, which limit the sensation of damage.
However, as pointed out Bertha Uzquizainnovation dentist at Sanitas Dental, “people with poor oral health are more insecure when it comes to smiling, they even cover their mouths or hold back, so maintaining good oral health by brushing their teeth three times a day, using dental floss and mouthwash, in addition to going to regular check-ups, is essential.
In any case, it should be noted that with the appearance of depressive symptoms or more complicated emotional situations, it is necessary to see an expert psychologist to determine the severity and the appropriate therapy and follow-up, either in person or via video consultation.