Wear a smile and have friends; wear a scowl and have wrinkles.
George Eliot
It’s the time when I was a first-year student in university, doing a BS in CSIT. I was new to this field as I had never studied computer science as a major in my previous education. My first semester got over with such a competitive race which throws me at the back and I was sure that it’s not my trade. I went to university unwillingly and with a dead heart knowing that another competitive race is yet to start and nothing else. One day I was sitting in the class taking a lecture of object-oriented programming from a young female teacher, something went uncleared to me I glance at the teacher to ask the query but suddenly it came into my mind that she would probably reply to me “ don’t you know this? Everyone in the class doing it easily and you are stuck in it.” And in this spur of the moment I backed out but surprisingly the teacher passed a kind smile and ask me what happened dear? Is anything uncleared to you? That makes me somehow confident and I ask her my confusion and she cleared it to me. Soon after this, I developed the courage to ask questions in class, and gradually my unwillingness for university turned to the willingness and I became the most contributed student in the class.
The purpose of sharing this is to realize that what’s the power of smiling. That changed the entire condition of the student, that can uplift any human being in the world.
Smile; A Little Curve Of Mouth.
The act of smiling is the little curve of the mouth and wrinkling of eyes that make not only you but those around you feel good. While smiling benefits the receiver, the giver also reaps immense rewards from their act of smiling. It can improve their mood, make them feel more trustworthy and approachable, and helps in creating a positive impression.
Benefits Of Smile
Apart from this smiling helps in calming any fears, insecurities and anxieties that you may be experiencing and give you more confidence. Moreover, it makes you feel good and happy and gives you a sense of well being. Smiling is also regarded as a key ingredient for the establishment of genuine and healthy relationships. It makes others feel welcome, special and appreciated.
Medical Research.
There is a plethora of research that tells us the amazing benefits that smiling brings to one’s health and well being. Science tells us that when we smile the muscles in our face contracts and a positive feedback loop begin, stimulating the reward mechanisms, and reinforcing the feeling of happiness. The habitual act of smiling helps the mind in moving towards a more positive direction and creates positive loops that encourage patterns of positive thinking.
Research shows that children smile an average of 400 times per day, compared to the average happy adult who smiles 40-50 times per day and the typical adult who smiles only 20 times per day.
Why Is Smiling Important?
Why is smiling important? Smiling not only offers a mood boost but helps our bodies release cortisol and endorphins that provide numerous health benefits, including:
- Reduced blood pressure
- Increased endurance
- Reduced pain
- Reduced stress
- Strengthened immune system
Furthermore, studies show that people who smile appear more likeable, courteous and competent. Smilers tend to be more productive at work and make more money.
Want to increase your daily smile average to take advantage of these benefits? The first step is easy, start your day with a smile. Smiling is contagious, and when we smile we activate neurons in the brain that fire a synchronizing feature. You’ll notice that one smile will lead to additional smiles not just for you, but for those around you.
World Smile Day is celebrated on the first Friday of October. This holiday was created by Harvey Ball who developed the iconic yellow smiley image. This artist believed that you could improve the world one smile at a time.
Religious Benefits of Smile
Abdullah ibn Harith (R.A) said “I have never seen anyone who smiled more than Allah’s Messenger (PBUH)” (Tirmidhi). Another companion of the Prophet (PBUH) Jarir (R.A) relates that: “Since I embraced Islam Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) never refused to see me and he did not see me but with a smile on his face.” (Sahih Muslim).
We all know that our Prophet (PBUH) had a pleasant smiling face and he left us an example to follow when we greet and meet someone. He also encouraged his followers to smile and said, “Smiling in the face of your brother is a charity (Sadaqa)” (Tirmidhi). This means that when we smile at our fellow Muslims, we are actually doing something that is Sunnah something that Allah likes, and that pleases him. However, it should be kept in consideration that it should be a genuine smile that is not hurtful and condescending. Islam is the religion that is known for its moderation; thus laughing excessively and cracking jokes could hurt someone’s feelings so they are not allowed.
Develop The Habit Of Smiling.
- Practice smiling in front of the mirror every morning. This will make you feel good in the morning. Furthermore, it will add more confidence whenever you pass a smile throughout the day.
- Pass a kind smile to those who are dependent on you. Sometimes we do not have an idea from which storm they are suffering from. Smile at your maids, peons, waiter, gardener, sweeper, or anyone who is out of his home in order to buy comfort and basic necessities to their families.
- In the leisure time, imagine the good memories that happened to you and smile on them. And be grateful to Allah that he gave you good memories.
- Be close to nature, observe the singing of birds, the creation of clouds, and the beauty of flowers. Smile on the creativity of Allah.
Conclusion
Whether you are angry, upset, or burdened, you now know that you are a mile away from happiness. Gracing your face with a smile can dramatically change your internal and external experience. Smiling is the star that shines to ease the darkening horizons. It is a light that helps in making wilted life feel rejuvenated. It is an all-around mood booster that is available to each one of us at no cost. So keep smiling, don’t let the world change your smile, instead let your smile change the world.
For more articles visit our website Fajar Magazine.
