According to a recent study, simply having someone smile at you can make you feel happy, with 65% of adults saying that it improves their mood. That positive boost lasts for an average of more than 13 minutes, leaving them more likely to be kinder to others (37%), more motivated (19%) or make a bold decision (9%). However, an experiment saw just 21% of adults return the friendly gesture from a stranger. Psychologist, Jo Hemmings, says that when we smile, a number of psychological and physiological changes occur that impact both ourselves and those around us. Smiling releases endorphins, dopamine and serotonin – hormones which improve our mood and our sense of well-being – and also reduces cortisol, our stress hormone, making us feel less anxious and more relaxed.
