Fake a Smile to Have a Better Day

In "The Verywell Mind" podcast, Amy Morin, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), hosts the "Friday Fix"—a brief segment offering a simple tip or exercise to address a mental health concern.

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Friday Fix: Episode 139

We often assume that happy people smile more, but research suggests a reciprocal relationship. Faking a smile potentially elevates your mood, reduces stress, and accelerates recovery from challenges.

Despite cautions against forced smiles, faking a smile for show differs from using it as a mood-boosting tool. In this episode, we delve into the science behind this concept.

We'll explore how a fake smile affects your brain, when to consider using it, and its potential benefits. We'll also discuss what to do when forcing a smile feels overwhelming on certain days and introduce an alternative strategy.

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