Get this: Scientists can bring people into a lab and have them hold a pen in their mouths in one of two different ways to elicit two very different outcomes.
One group comes in and holds a pen between their lips. The other group holds the pen between their teeth. (Try it to feel the difference!)
Guess what?
The group that holds the pen between their teeth (which, you may notice, creates a sort of smile) are HAPPIER at the end of the experiment than people who hold the pen between their lips (which, you may notice, creates a sort-of frown).
Kinda nuts.
How could something THAT simple lead to a significant change in well-being?
Well, as we’ve discussed many times, FEELINGS follow BEHAVIORS. And, even something as mundane as unknowingly moving your happiness muscles into the shape of a smile can make you feel better.
Moral of the story: Work today with a pen between your teeth!
Hah. Not really.
But, DO remember that feelings follow behavior. The little things you do matter. Stand up tall. Act the way you’d act if you were feeling great even if you’re not feeling great. And, shockingly, you’ll find that your feelings follow that behavior more than you may initially believe.
And… Smile more today.
It’s kinda weird to feel how quickly your whole mood can soften and elevate when you shift from a serious (or negative) facial expression to a simple, soft smile. (Try it right now!)
+1 Smile. +1 Smile. +1 Smile.
(I’m smiling as I type that.)
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