Along the way in my Journey I’ve figured out there are things you do in life that just go together. Without trying there are just some things you do in life and before you know it something fun is happening. That’s how it is with skipping. I’ve noticed that if you’re skipping, you’re smiling. You just can’t help it. You start skipping and then without even noticing it you’re smiling. It’s, I think, a natural byproduct of skipping. One thing leads to another without you thinking about it or trying to make it happen. It just happens. Pretty cool, I think.
Speaking of smiles. Did you know that:
When you smile your smiling muscles contract, which in turn sends a signal back to your brain increasing your level of happy hormones, or endorphins. When our brain feels happy, we smile and, when we smile, our brain feels happy. It’s a pretty good arrangement, I think. In fact, it makes me smile just to think about it.
Smiles are contagious. That’s right. Studies have shown that people smile when they see someone smiling at them. I’m sure you have noticed this. One smile begets another. How can you beat that?
Smiling is our first facial expression. Between six and eight weeks babies develop a social smile. An intentional gesture of warmth.
Smiling can relieve stress and make you feel better. It relieves physical tension and stress. Smiling has been shown to reduce your body’s stress response. It lowers heart rate and blood pressure.
Smiling can boost your immune system. Smiling or laughing activates molecules in your brain that fight stress and illnesses.
A smile is the most recognized facial expression.
“If you smile at me, I will understand, cause that is something everybody everywhere does in the same language” Wooden Ships – Crosby Stills Nash
Yes, it’s also true that smiling will cause smile lines on your face. They aren’t a bad thing. Those small lines at the corner of your eyes are a symbol of the happiness one has experienced through life.
As Jimmy Buffett says: “Wrinkles only go where the smiles have been.” Barefoot Children.
Barefoot Children Jimmy Buffett
So next time you find yourself skipping, take a moment and check and see if you’re smiling.