Series “Getting Dopamine” Part 1

It doesn’t cost anything to smile. Smiling is a free, and a contagious act. Spread it like peanut butter to make that sloppy sandwich. I love my peanut butter thick and all over the place. Treat a smile like peanut butter, the more the merrier. 

A smile is an act that boosts the mood, fosters connections, and reduces stress. In an article titled; Turn That Frown Upside Down: The Mood-Boosting Benefits of Smiling, they took the words right out of my mouth, “To start, the mere act of smiling has been found to stimulate the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in feelings of pleasure and reward.” We all get mad, sad, and grumpy- we don’t need to live there. I’m not saying those feelings aren't valid but they don’t have to consume you. It is natural to let those feelings move through you. Sometimes having a laugh or smile is what can actually get you through those harder feelings. 
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A smile can change the trajectory of your day, and the other person’s. Just like that peanut butter, it might get all over your face, but it also might get on someone else. It’s the good kind of contagious. 

So when you are feeling (sad/mad/grumpy: insert whatever feeling you are having) try to look at something that might bring a smile to your face.  The best part of all is that it costs nothing. 
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To be genuinely happy is great for you, and me.

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