Science demonstrates that the simple act of smiling can lift your mood, lower stress, boost your immune system and EVEN prolong your life!
So why are we not doing it :(
Well, before I kick off, I just wanted to say THANK YOU for taking the time to support me (Vinny Sagoo), by reading this blog and everything else that you do! It has been a great journey so far meeting you at conventions, dealer days and wherever else our paths may have crossed.
I know that things are a little crazy just now, but stay strong, stay safe and better days are just around the corner.
So what is this all about???
Well, this is the second blog in a brand new series of blogs called 'Words of Wisdom', or WOW for short. The first Blog 'The Magic of Storytelling' can be found HERE. Previously, I have written quite a few smaller blogs with the view of delivering quick, digestible and topical information for the instant gratification junkies.
However, having spoken to a number of you, I understand that you yearn for more meaningful blogs that you can really sink your teeth into.
These blogs are not aimed to showcase my latest and greatest products, but to simply garnish the mind. If you fancy buying me a cup of coffee or slice of cake, or even both, then I have added a donation button at the bottom, which helps towards the countless days it takes to write, edit and publish monster blogs like this.
Kind people are my kind of people!
As always, I humbly welcome you to WOW #2 - 'Smile To Go'.
If you have been sent this email or viewed it via social media, please be kind enough to subscribe HERE so that you can be in the loop to hear about the latest Blogs and Offers.
Gratitude
Whilst we all experience difficulties in life, the current corona virus pandemic is taking it's toll on millions around the globe. I know first hand how difficult it is to sever oneself from loved ones and take on a life of solitude. However, I also know that this will not last forever and as Walter Scott rightfully asserted, one day we will "look back, and smile on perils past".
We will smile not only for avoiding this nemesis, but at the robust health care system, clean water, plenty of food and being able to communicate with friends and family at the touch of a button. There is also somewhat of sombre internal smile and thanks to all those who have fought keeping us safe and those who have not been as fortunate.
Quite simply, we will never forget you, ever!
"If the world's a veil of tears, smile till rainbows span it". Lucy Larcom
Trick the Brain
In the current state of affairs, it is hard to crack a smile when the world is fighting a global pandemic and your emotional well-being is being eroded with each news flash. The fact of the matter is that there are some things we can control, and some things we can't.
One key thing in our control is our thoughts and feelings. A small gesture like a smile, believe it or not, can totally transform your body and physiological state.
A 2003 study by Simone Schnall and David Laird, demonstrated that even if you do not want to smile, by faking a smile, it can actually trick your brain into thinking that you are happy and thus releasing that feel-good hormone, endorphin.
In effect, if you pretend that you are happy, you will feel happy. If you pretend that you are angry, you will feel angry.
Psychology Today expand further and states that smiling activates the release of Neuropeptides (tiny molecules that allow neurons to communicate), who work towards fighting off stress. These little molecules send message to the whole body when we are happy, sad, angry, depressed, or excited. The feel-good neurotransmitters such as dopamine, endorphins and serotonin are all released when a you elect to bring a simple little smile across your face.
The process of smiling, not only relaxes your body, but it can also lower your heart rate and blood pressure. So you see, smiling really does kick-start a number of awesome chemical reactions in the brain that can help fight depression.
So what about the body?
Well, similar to the elevated brain functionality, your body will undergo a physical change. For one, you will look more attractive to everyone. Think about it, would you like to be approached by someone that was smiling or scowling? I know which one appeals to me more.
In addition, smiling makes you more relaxed, attractive and sincere.
I told my wife that she was drawing her eyebrows too high. She looked surprised!
Like laughter and yawning, smiling is also infectious and is recognised anywhere in the world. I thought that this poem was quite apt in the current situation, but I am not sure who wrote it, so forgive the crediting.
Smiling Is Infectious (Unknown) Smiling is infectious, you catch it like the flu.
When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too.
I passed around the corner and someone saw my grin.
When he smiled I realised I'd passed it on to him. I thought about that smile, then I realised its worth.
A single smile, just like mine could travel round the earth.
by faking a smile, it can actually trick your brain into thinking that you are happy.
3 Super Tips
I'm not saying sit in a corner smiling to yourself, that might be a little weird, but try these simple tricks to kick-start your 'smileathon'
The easiest way to start the day is with a BIG fat smile on your face. This will immediately get your brain geared up to smile throughout the day and give you that all so necessary endorphin rush. If you feel unmotivated to do something, smile and imagine doing the task, then get up and carpe diem!
This all begins in the mind, so make sure that you think happy throughout the day, something funny that happened at work, something that your spouse/friend/neighbour said that made you laugh out loud or just a simple joke. When you feel yourself feeling down or need a little pick me up, do a MASSIVE smile and see how it feels. Go on, try it just now, give yourself a MASSIVE smile and see how it feels? Felling awesome right???
The best way to practice your new smiling technique, is to smile at friends, family and strangers in the street (when lock-down is over of course). In the beginning it will appear fake and stupid, however, give it time and you will naturally smile, people will like you more, which in turn will lift your self-esteem and help diminish negativity in your life.
Remember enjoy life and smile, if your wife accuses you of being immature, just tell her to get out of your fort.
Social Media
Lately, I have seen a massive upsurge in social media videos of magicians showing tricks, talking shop or giving lectures. One of the key things missing in the majority of videos is that the person is not smiling and concentrating too much on the effect, rather than engaging with the audience.
There is a young kid on my Instagram feed and after the trick, he gives a massive cheeky smile. I love watching his videos, not because of the content, but to see that big smile at the end. It really cheers me up and the awesome thing with a smile is that it can be transmitted via video, just the same as it can be in person.
So next time you make a Tik Tok video or otherwise, remember a smile costs nothing and could be the missing elixir to gaining more followers #goldennugget
Smile Train
Like a stack of dominoes, when someone smiles at you, the sensations you feel make you happy and joyful. This in turn makes you want to pass a smile on to the next person, and so on and so forth, whereby the smile continues to spread. Similarly, a single candle can light a thousand candles without diminishing it's light.
In these troubled times, we should make an effort to smile with loved ones and remember how precious they are to us. A smile is so much more than just a simple facial movement, it can literally change the world around you.
In fact, every time I do a lecture, I make sure that I go around the room and say hi to everyone, smiling as I go. I start my lecture with a big fat smile and end it the exact same way. This help eliminate any nerves, whilst also showing the audience that I am a genuine person that is ego free, well to some extent.
In conclusion, happiness is a core component of life and living, so why not turn that frown upside-down!
So, that concludes the second Words of Wisdom (WOW), Blog. I hope you enjoyed it and if you know someone that would glean even a shard of knowledge from it, please forward the same and invite them to subscribe HERE.
Until next time, keep smiling!
Vinny :)
P.s If you enjoyed reading this blog and fancy buying me a coffee, then please feel free to donate via the Paypal link below.
- £3.00 buys me an Americano
- £5.00 buys me a fancy pants coffee with whipped cream
- £10.00 buys me a fancy pants coffee and cake
Or donate whatever you like and I'll cobble together the rest, thank you :D
