Building on the Season of Gratitude, it’s time to move into the Season of Joy. But with the hustle, hurry and flurry of this season, singing carols, preparing for parties and making travel plans there come certain expectations, tensions and added anxiety. It’s easy to get caught up in the swirling stresses pulling us downward into a glum state.
But how do we prevent the pressures of the season from taking over our joyous mood? How do we begin to build this happiness to fully experience this season of joy?
We all know that happiness starts on the inside, but let’s embark on this journey to happiness in an unlikely place, on the outside, considering the advice from a supermodel.
Supermodel, Christie Brinkley’s new book, “Timeless Beauty” contains over 100 tips and secrets to looking great.
In a recent TV interview she was asked the one most important beauty tip. From this 60 year old that looks 30 her answer might surprise you: SMILE.
Smiling can reap benefits, not only on the outside, but also on the inside. In a study on the use of Botox, injections into the face to remove wrinkles, the researchers found that the recipients of these shots were less likely to feel depressed, smiling more often.
When you smile you radiate, making not only yourself happy but others around you. Like Louis Armstrong bellowed out, “When you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you.”
Jennipher Walters, health and fitness expert writes that activating these facial muscles can actually reduce the symptoms of anxiety and de-stress you. Oftentimes what begins with a smile can lead to hysterical fits of laughter boosting your immune system.
Lastly, smiling makes you more attractive. The corners of your mouth curve up, your eyes get twinkly and the joy jumps out. Think of your best photos, everyone is smiling. We should all be “camera ready” every hour, every day and especially this month.
Smiling is an easy way to help get yourself “in the mood” for this joyous season. From this day forward, just say, “CHEESE’!
How do you keep yourself in a state of joy when the pressures of the season seem to drag you down?
