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Why a Fake Smile Is Bad for You (And What to Do Instead)
Why it’s better to be authentic than pretending you’re okay
Not long ago, the opinion of experts was to “fake it until you make it,” which suggested planting a smile on your face was all that was necessary to activate happy hormones. Now, though, psychologists disagree with the notion smiling increases joy.
Pretending you’re overjoyed when you aren’t, and grinning from ear to ear like a Cheshire cat, may decrease your well-being. A genuine smile, though, is always accompanied by a feel-good response. Here’s how to create a smile that works for rather than against you and use your mood to increase emotional health.
What makes you happy?
Your thoughts create an emotional response, like sadness, joy, or anxiety. If you’re already blue, no doubt you’ve entertained negative ideas. An external event like breaking up with your partner or a rough day at work might trigger your mood, but your thoughts are what make negativity stick.
As cheesy as it sounds, Julie Andrews (who played Maria in the blockbuster movie “The Sound of Music”) wasn’t wrong when she encouraged the children that she looked after to think about things that made them happy when they were afraid. Your mood improves if you shift your…
