“Peace begins with a smile.”

—  Mother Teresa

Smiling is one of the few universal languages. It is also culturally transcendent. Most of us, even in challenging times (like a cancer journey), often lean into a smile to get us through. And while there is nothing quite like the smile of someone that you know really loves you, it is interesting, that the seemingly simple gesture of a stranger’s smile can also warm our hearts and make (most of us) smile.

And so we thought we’d explore the numerous benefits behind a smile and how these can be incredibly helpful....

What exactly is it about a smile? Did you smile when you saw the cover photo? Are you smiling right now?

When I began chemotherapy on June 6th 2019, I was terrified. And yet, one of the most vivid memories of that very first day of treatment, was the kind smile on the faces of the two nurses who looked after me that day. In fact, they took this picture of me that day...the very first picture of my treatment journey. I can still hear them saying to me, “smile!”.

Throughout that first day, and the many more treatments since, I’ve used my smile as a source of getting me out of the “fear thinking” that inhabits most of the journey (and especially treatment day). It is an effective and powerful tool and one that goes quite far...not just in a cancer journey, but in our life’s journey.

And while I’m talking about genuinely tapping into the smile and using it as a forcing function to help activate good thoughts and good energy in your mind, and body, there is also much data that show even ‘fake smiling’ can help trigger positive outcomes in your brain.

According to Psychology Today: the act of smiling activates the release of neuropeptides to work toward fighting off stress. Neuropeptides are small molecules that allow neurons to communicate messaging to the whole body when we are happy, sad, angry, depressed, or excited. The neurotransmitters—dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin—are all released when a smile flashes across your face as well. This is not only relaxing for your body, but it can also lower your heart rate and blood pressure. The endorphins also act as a natural pain reliever. Lastly, the serotonin release brought on by your smile, serves as an anti-depressant/mood lifter. 

As always, I also offer our perspective and share a few practices I’ve found helpful in navigating my journey, especially on the more “peak performance required” days!
 

1) Smiling makes me recall either something funny or loving or both: As I’ve shared in the past, I love looking through old photos and recalling good memories. I also frequently go through fun and loving moments in my mind, to deliberately conjure up a smile to my face. Without question, when I think of my sweet dog, it automatically brings a smile to my face, and all the better when I recall him doing something funny! It is love and laughter wrapped up in one beautiful smile! Yet another benefit of intentionally seeking good memories!

 2) Smiling makes me think about the importance of taking care of my teeth: This is no joke! For all of us, dental health is important, but for cancer patients, it is on an even higher level because of the toll that your teeth, gums and mouth take due to chemo. I’ve shared tips before about proper dental hygiene and ways to prevent mouth sores and other complications. I find that when I smile in a mirror, I always check my teeth to see how healthy they look. And it makes me focus on ensuring I am brushing at least twice daily and doing so with purpose. Keep your teeth healthy for a better way to get through treatments and a brighter smile!

3) Smiling to others makes me feel that I am quietly sending positive energy out to the world: I am a firm believer that what you send out, you receive. There’s a healthy reciprocity that comes from doing good, especially when it is intentional. When I am in the treatment room, I make it a point to smile to every patient I see. And what’s amazing is that even when wearing a mask, we can tell when someone is smiling, because of the crinkle of their eyes. I love that! None of us knows the pain someone may be carrying. What we do know is that a smile can, even if for a second, help someone feel a bit of joy.

With love,
Amelia O.