“Smile,” You Will Feel Better!

With the events of the world, we can sometimes get caught up in the misery and sadness of it all and forget to be thankful for what we do have.  Remember focusing on positive thoughts can blossom into something beautiful and we all need to take the time to smile. 

If fact there is plenty of scientific evidence that proves something as simple as a smile, even when we do not feel like smiling, makes us feel better.  While we express happiness with a smile, studies show that the mere act of smiling even when we do not feel like it, can lift our mood, lower stress, boost our immune system and possibly even prolong life.  Dr. Isha Gupta a neurologist from IGEA Brain and Spine says smiling spurs a chemical reaction in the brain, which releases hormones such as dopamine and serotonin. She explains that, “Dopamine increases our feelings of happiness. Serotonin release is associated with reduced stress. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression and aggression; and low levels of dopamine are also associated with depression.”

Dr. Murray Grossan, an ENT-otolaryngologist in Los Angeles says that study after study has found that depression weakens the immune system, and happiness appears to boost our body’s resistance.  Thus working on past information, when our brain feels our mouth smiling, it just assumes there must be something to smile about.  To increase our sense of wellbeing, experts recommend starting each day with a positive affirmation and to do your best to find humor in bad situations as well as to try to turn negative thoughts into positive ones. 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge is safely accepting new residents, and we are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus.  After a thorough screening, residents move directly into their suite, where they remain for a 14-day quarantine.  Team members entering the room wear full PPE.  Along with 38 beautiful Casitas for independent living, we have 65 assisted living suites, and 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Visit our website to learn more about all we are doing to ensure your comfort and safety.     

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in the Phoenix area.  

Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/smiling-can-trick-your-brain-happiness-boost-your-health-ncna822591