We know it’s good to smile because smiling conveys feelings of friendliness and warmth. But what if I told you that smiling is actually good for you? It’s true, actually. Smiling triggers a chemical reaction in your brain that promotes wellness and positive feelings.

Smiling more frequently will also improve your standing with others in your personal life and in your career. That’s because it makes people more prone to like you, trust you, and find you attractive.

The Chemistry of Smiling

Recent scientific studies indicate that smiling causes your brain to release endorphins. These neurotransmitters are sometimes referred to as “nature’s painkillers” because they reduce pain, relieve stress, and lower your heart rate. Your brain naturally releases endorphins when you undergo any type of trauma.

According to Forbes Magazine, we can trick our bodies into releasing endorphins just by forcing a smile. Even if we’re consciously faking it, “we can change our emotional state by altering our facial expression!”

If you smile more often, it can improve your overall disposition and make you healthier. That’s because smiling can “help rid the body of stress” and “reduce the rigidness of our cells.” This will benefit your whole body, particularly the heart.

Smiling Makes You More Attractive and Approachable

Smiling even makes you better looking. Surveys reveal that people rate photos of smiling people to be more attractive than photos of people who aren’t smiling.

It makes sense that people are more comfortable around those who smile more often. Smiling sends a message that you’re friendly and outgoing. In fact, when you smile at people, about half of them will automatically smile back.

Smiling for Success

Smiling more often can even enhance your career. That’s because it improves all your relationships, even your professional ones. People who smile more frequently can expect to earn more money during their careers than less outwardly friendly people.