10 Ways To Help You Smile More Often And Lead A Better Life

Smiles and laughter are powerful natural forces. When we smile and laugh, our bodies release endorphins and dopamine—nature’s feel-good chemicals—that improve our moods by making us feel calmer and happier. Given their positive impact, learning to smile more often should be a goal for everyone.

Smiling and laughing help us cope better with stress, find hope, and view problems in a new light. The power of these simple actions should never be underestimated, as they can transform negative thoughts and moments into opportunities for positivity.

For some, smiling and laughing come naturally and frequently. For others, it requires more effort. Nonetheless, making an extra effort to smile and laugh more often is worthwhile.

There are several ways to achieve this, such as using smiling cues or the classic technique of faking it until you make it.

Here are 10 techniques to help you smile and laugh more consistently and experience the genuine benefits of a good smile.

# Smile the Moment You Wake Up

The first thing to do upon waking up, even before getting out of bed, is to smile! While it may seem simple, smiling first thing in the morning can set a positive tone for your entire day. It helps you feel better about whatever the day has in store and helps you approach challenges with a positive attitude. Plus, it helps shake off morning drowsiness, getting you up and moving quickly!

# Practice Smiling Often

The more you practice smiling, the more natural it becomes over time. If smiling doesn’t come easily to you, practice in front of a mirror while getting ready for your day. Eventually, your smile will feel less forced, and your confidence will grow as you begin to smile naturally in various situations. Practicing smiling can help you see things in a more positive light and gradually rewire your brain to focus on positivity instead of stress or negativity.

# Create Smile Cues

Incorporate smiling into your routine by creating cues or reminders. Decide to smile every time you open a door, see a dog or a baby, drink coffee, or go for a run. Choose simple, memorable activities to serve as your smile cues, and commit to smiling during these moments. This practice will help you smile more consistently throughout the day.

# Change Your Perspective

Thinking happy thoughts really works. If you’re struggling with negative thinking, take sixty seconds to change your perspective. Be still, let go of racing thoughts, and relax into a peaceful state, free from stress and self-doubt. This quick meditation can help clear your head and make you feel lighter, allowing more positivity to enter your day and leading to more smiles and laughter.

# Smile at Everyone

It might sound odd, but smile at everyone you see. Smiling at others, whether on your commute or at work, opens opportunities for happiness and boosts your mood. Even in uncertain situations, try to think of one positive thing and choose to smile. Smiling makes you feel happier and positively impacts those around you. Since smiles are contagious, your smile can spread happiness to many others.

# Smile Frequently

Smile when you’re happy, feeling love, playful, or even when sad or stressed. Smiling when happy is natural, but smiling out of love or gratitude might take more courage. Think about someone you care about or something you genuinely love and smile. This can help you feel less stressed and more joyful. Learn from the carefree smiles of children and embrace the opportunity to feel greater happiness.

# Express Gratitude Every Day

Grumpiness and depression often stem from not appreciating what we have. Focus on the positives in your life and practice gratitude instead of dwelling on what you want to change. Recognize the things you’re fortunate to have, like a roof over your head or food on your table, and remember that many others don’t have these blessings.

# Pay Attention to the Little Things

Don’t let the busyness and stress of life prevent you from noticing the beauty around you. Take time to appreciate the small wonders, like a child’s laughter or a funny caterpillar. These “little things” can bring a lot of joy if you take the time to notice them.

# Listen to Happy Music and Watch Funny Movies

If you find it hard to focus on the positives in your life, seek help from uplifting music, movies, TV shows, or books. These can help lift your mood and make you laugh, steering you away from negativity.

# Spend Time with Happy People and Compliment Them

Happiness is contagious. Surround yourself with happy, positive people, as their attitudes and behaviors will influence you. If your current circle isn’t uplifting, seek out new, happy individuals. Over time, you’ll start to reflect their positivity and smile more often.