We have all heard it before: smiling brings about incredible benefits we sometimes might not even consciously realize. From feeling more peaceful and upbeat to brightening another’s day, one’s smile leaves a great positive impact. When life is constantly throwing challenges and difficulties our way, it’s easy to focus on the negativity, letting it grow and fester. Rather than allowing our bad attitudes to linger long after an issue has been brought to our attention, we should instead remember to smile even in the midst of troubles.

First of all, smiling can bring about a feeling of happiness, even when you weren’t originally in the best of moods. When you allow yourself to smile, your brain tells your body that you’re happy by releasing endorphins. The same goes for frowning. When you frown, your mind communicates that you are upset. Just by the simple act of changing a facial expression we can control our own emotions. We have the power to make ourselves happier even when times are tough. It’s not always possible to fix a situation by simply smiling, but recognizing that one can usually choose whether or not to be miserable gives each person greater empowerment over his or her life.

Smiling also reduces stress and anxiety. In a fast-paced society that never seems to slow down, many people tend to feel weighed down with all the pressures that come with life. Instead of feeling defeated and upset, embrace the pressures of life and smile in the face of your challenges. Continue to smile and eventually life will get tired of trying to bring you down.

Smile because it's contagious. As Louis Armstrong put it, "When you're smilin', the whole world smiles with you." Each of us has the power to make the world a happier, better, and brighter place. When our friends, family, or even strangers smile, we can't help but feel our spirits being lifted. So be the person who brightens another's day. Smile at that stranger who seems a little down because you may not even realize how much they truly need it.

So try it for yourself. Allow that smile to permeate all aspects of your life and you will feel yourself enjoying a lighter, more joyful life. Keep smiling through the struggles you experience because life is beautiful and there’s truly so much to smile about.