Celebration Of National Smile Day At The Workplace

May 31st is observed as the National Smile Day!

Humor, chuckle, pleasure, and smile are the secrets to living a good life. But, a smile is an elixir. It possesses the power to make anyone's day special. Thus, the motto behind the celebration of National Smile Day is that, smiles are precious and they must be preserved.

You don't have to put in any extra effort or flex all your body muscles to smile. It is a reflexive action to a situation or person. A smile can also make you ponder life's simplest pleasures. And transform your negative thoughts, emotions, and mental experiences into positive ones.

A Grin or a twinkle is like magic that can make you feel alive and others too. Despite all the negatives happening around you, if you are still laughing, you are living life graciously.

The Importance of Smiling

Dr. Isha Gupta, a neurologist from IGEA Brain and Spine, explains that a smile releases hormones, including dopamine and serotonin. "Dopamine increases our happiness, and serotonin release is associated with reduced stress. Low serotonin levels are associated with depression and aggression," says Dr. Gupta. "Low levels of dopamine are also associated with depression."

In other words, smiling can trick your brain into accepting you're happy and in bliss. Dr. Murray Grossan, an ENT-otolaryngologist in Los Angeles, points to psychoneuroimmunology (the study of the connection between brain and immune system), asserting that it has been shown "over and over again" that depression weakens our immune system. In contrast, contentment, on the other hand, has been shown to amplify our body's resistance.

Thus, to spread knowledge and understanding about preserving it, May 31st is celebrated as National Smile Day.

Read: Incorporating World Laughter Day in the Workplace

History Of National Smile Day

The month of May honors National Smile Month! Two of the Compassionate Dentalcare specialists founded this day in May 2018 to share the power of a healthy smile. A smile signifies one's confidence, health, and quality of life. And the ability to reciprocate to someone with a smile can endear vibrational energy and ignite souls deeper at an emotional level.

Besides, you must have heard that it takes more muscles to frown than to smile. But, people have tended to forget its importance in the past years. Babies smile about 400 times a day on average, while adults only smile 20 times. To fix this, National Smile Day was created by Dr. Tim Stirneman and Jim Wojdyla to "share with the world what the power of a healthy smile can do."

12 Smile Facts That You Need To Know

According to 123Dentist Inc, "Smiling is believed to boost serotonin levels, even when the smile is forced. Serotonin is a natural stress reducer in the brain". Here are a few fun facts for you.

1. Smiles are infectious.
2. Overcomes procrastination
3. Improves productivity
4. Smiling is a sign of happiness.
5. A good smile is a mood lifter.
6. A smile is the first thing one notices while meeting and greeting someone.
7. It's always more comfortable to smile than frown.
8. Babies smile too.
9. Smiling enhances brain health.
10. Smiling spreads joy.
11. Women smile more than men.
12. Smiling benefits your career.

How To Observe National Smiling Day At Your Workplace?

If you were asked about a workplace, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? I believe employees moving from one place to another, carrying their laptops with less happy and frowning faces. Seriousness has indeed become the hallmark of offices.

What could be better than celebrating National Smile Day to change this preconceived notion about workplaces? Today the corporate wellness culture has become a major concern. And to determine how happy and healthy the employees are, look into their faces, pass them a smile and see how they respond.

An office that promotes wellness also ensures that its employees are filled with contentment, energy and motivation. Besides, a cheerful workforce is the trademark of success.

So, this May 31st, celebrate Smile Day at the workplace by doing the following:

• Take a group picture and say cheese. Frame it on the wall.
• Post team pictures (all smiling) on social media to promote this day.
• Surprise each other by sticking a smiley emoticon on each other's desk with the tagline, "keep smiling."
• Arrange a photo booth at the entrance of your office to take a selfie and then enter the office smiling.
• Buy tickets for a laughter gig or invite a comedian to the office space and share laughs together.

Make sure you help your employees lift their spirits and mood. That way, you can build a good workplace atmosphere and promote your small yet significant wellness initiatives.

Read: 21 Productive Hobbies To Restore Overall Employee Health And Well-being

Health Benefits Of Smiling

Smiling delivers happiness, positivity, and a mood boost. It helps our bodies release cortisol and endorphins. Besides, it provides numerous health benefits concerning mental, spiritual, and behavioral well-being.

Studies also show that putting a smile on your face can cover 11 psychological and physical health benefits, such as:

• Releases endorphins
• Alleviates stress and anxiety
• Reduces blood pressure
• Strengthens immune system
• Increases endurance
• Reduces pain
• Strengthens the immune system
• Boosts mood
• Reduces risk of heart disease
• Strengthens relationships
• Correlates to a longer life

Read: 71 Spiritual Wellness Quotes To Rekindle Your Employees Absolute Well-being

21 Amazing Smile Quotes That Will Make Your Day

1.

Nothing you wear is more important than your smile. –Connie Stevens

2.

I love those who can smile in trouble.-Leonardo da Vinci

3.

A warm smile is the universal language of kindness. –William Arthur Ward

4.

Before you put on a frown, make absolutely sure there are no smiles available. —Jim Beggs

5.

Smile at strangers and you just might change a life. -Steve Maraboli

6.

Just for today, smile a little more. —James A. Murphy

7.

Gratitude paints little smiley faces on everything it touches. — Richelle E. Goodrich

8.

Use your smile to change the world but don't let the world change your smile. —Unknown

9.

Learn to smile at every situation. See it as an opportunity to prove your strength and ability. —Joe Brown

10.

Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened. ―Dr. Seuss

11.

A smile is the chosen vehicle of all ambiguities. –Herman Melville

12.

Smile is the beauty of the soul. -Lailah Gifty Akita

13.

A smile is the universal welcome. –Max Eastman

14.

It is impossible to persuade a man who does not disagree, but smiles. – Muriel Spark

15.

If you smile when you are alone, then you really mean it. -Andy Rooney

16.

A smiling face is a beautiful face. A smiling heart is a happy heart. – Dr. T.P.Chia

17.

Keep walking and keep smiling. —Tiny Tim

18.

The source of a true smile is an awakened mind. -Thich Nhat Hanh

19.

The people who make you smile from just seeing them, those are my favorite people. –Koi Fresco

20.

Always wear a smile sometime during the day, it makes you feel happier and younger. –Kylie Bax

21.

Smile at the obstacle, for it is a bridge. –Medusa

Bottom Line

The best way to celebrate this day is by sharing smiles with your co-workers, as the name suggests. Pass smiles to whoever you come across. Spread some good vibes and energy across the office and in its corners.

Problems like unproductivity, absenteeism, burnout, etc., are all signs of a toxic work environment. Thus all it takes is a smile to promote a great work culture and employees' overall well-being.

So, smile anytime and every day. It is the best ornament you can wear.