As annoying and placating as it is to hear, smiling honestly is good for you.
A common trick of good salespeople is that they will smile while they talk on the phone, as you can certainly hear smiling.
Try it now.
Say out loud with a smile:
“I think that’s a great idea and I will definitely see you tomorrow!”
Now, read it again with a straight face.
Smiling has an effect on the tone, pace, and inflections you use, because smiling has a positive psychophysical effect.
So, if you’re feeling down and depressed, try this:
Go to the store. You don’t need to get anything.
Just smile — not ear to ear, you’re not trying to get institutionalized. Smile a little with your mouth and your eyes.
Soften your face. Open your eyes a bit wide. Relax your cheeks. Look someone in the eye.
Smile with your lips.
And walk around doing this at random to others.
When people see your smile, most reciprocate — smiling is a reciprocating behavior.
You will find it remarkable how powerful and effective it will feel to the mirroring effect of others smiling at you. It lifts them and lifts you, too.
Smile more.
It not only makes you feel better but makes the world view you more favorably, too.
Follow for daily philosophical meditations.
These are distillations from my coming book “YouDaimonia: the Ancient Philosophy of Human Flourishing.”