I don’t think my ballroom instructor/dance partner was concerned with my longevity when he barked “You gotta smile!” at me as we practiced for an upcoming competition. I’m like “Really? Besides remembering my patterns, keeping my upper body lifted, my feet grounded, my legs long, my head up and my elbows wide, all of which are taking 100% of my effort and concentration, I gotta smile?” Apparently, yes. So fine, I will smile.

But really, smiling is good for a lot more than dance competitions. Namely, people who smile more tend to enjoy numerous health benefits such as lower blood pressure, more endorphins (the good-feel hormone) and less stress-enhancing hormones (i.e., cortisol). They also have a longer life span. Plus, people who smile are viewed more positively by others than people who don’t. What’s not to smile about in all that?

You may ask, so how? Run around with a dental-commercial smile pasted on your face? No. That’s phony and wouldn’t feel right anyway. Rather, simply allow your face to relax into a smile when you see or hear something that pleases you. It doesn’t have to be in public situations, although the barista will appreciate the smile that accompanies your “thank you” as will the cashier or your co-worker. You can smile at your pet, your child/partner (ok, sometimes anyway), that lovely flower or sunset or at the memory of a savored moment.

Smiling is more of a habit to get into than anything else. The slight relaxation that usually ensues when one smiles should be enough to prompt you to smile more.

Smile. And enjoy the benefits.