101 things guaranteed to make you smile
Sometimes it can be difficult to find things to smile about.
Whether you’re going through a difficult time or just feeling stressed and distracted from your normal routine, it’s not always easy to stop and enjoy the little moments.
Finding something that makes you smile requires you to be alert and more mindful as you go through your day.
Once you start consciously searching, you might be surprised at the things you find that make you smile.
The science behind what makes people smile
According to a report in BritishCouncil.org, “When our brains are feeling happy, endorphins are produced and neural signals are sent to your facial muscles to trigger a smile.
This is the beginning of the positive feedback loop of happiness.”
That’s the science behind smiling, but the things that make most of us smile are:
A positive relationship experience A joyful or significant positive event Something humorous or funny Beauty and kindness A happy memory or anticipation of a positive event
What makes you smile may not be the same for others.
After all, everyone has their own way of seeing the world and what makes them smile.
Why is smiling good for you?
While everyone has different reasons to smile, we all have one thing in common when it comes to showing off our pearly whites – the true health benefits of smiling!
These include:
Release of endorphins that provide temporary pain relief Temporarily lower your blood pressure Reduce stress Boost your immune system Improve the way you think Make you look younger Extend your lifespan
101 things that make you smile
Countless things happen every day that can make you smile if you pay attention.
From the big ones to the little ones, fun things are always happening, so keep your eyes, ears, and mind open. Soon those endorphins will be pouring in!
1. Hug someone
2. Visit the beach and listen to the sound of the waves
3. Seeing a rainbow after a thunderstorm
4. The sounds of a flowing river
5. Getting a massage
6. A phone call with a good friend
7. Finding the right answers during a trivia contest or show
8. Birdsong in the morning
9. Kicking back with a new book
10. The smell of a hot cup of coffee or tea
11. Cooling off in the pool on a hot, sweaty day
12. Cuddling with your favorite human
13. Getting a surprise hug or kiss from your child
14. Getting her hair done
15. Seeing an older couple holding hands
16. Waking up rested and refreshed after a good night’s sleep
17. Watching the passing clouds on a bright day
18. Having a vase of beautiful flowers in your house
19. Taking a hot shower on a cold day
20. Meeting an old friend
21. Seeing a cute baby animal
22. Encountering a beautiful view
23. Eating a delicious sundae with your favorite toppings
24. Standing up and moving limbs after sitting for a long time
25. Dancing to your favorite song
26. Swinging on a porch swing or hammock and watching the world go by
27. Walking barefoot through the grass on a summer day
28. Going outside and enjoying the fresh air after being cooped up inside
29. Achieving something you’ve been working on for a long time
30. The sound of rain on the sidewalk
31. Having dinner with good friends or family
32. Leave the window open on a nice day and enjoy the breeze
33. Meet a new friend
34. Watching your kids sleep peacefully
35. Waking up in the middle of the night and realizing you still have time to sleep
36. Someone brings you a fresh cup of something to drink
37. Cook a delicious meal for your family (or just yourself!)
38. Take a leisurely drive to enjoy the scenery
39. Waking up to find a fresh layer of snow on the ground
40. Petting a dog or cat
41. Going for a swim on a hot summer day
42. Picking flowers and enjoying the scent
43. Pausing for a few minutes to meditate or say a prayer
44. Watching the sun go down
45. Cartwheel like a kid
46. Achieving a goal you’ve been working towards
47. Hearing a song that brings back good memories
48. Doing something that makes someone else smile
49. Going out for a drink or dinner with friends
50. Finding something you thought you lost
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51. Watching the rain curl up in a blanket all the time
52. Offering an act of kindness to a neighbor
53. Getting some much-needed exercise after you put it off
54. Enjoying a treat from your favorite bakery
55. Getting someone a birthday card or gift
56. Doing something childish like going on a swing or throwing water balloons
57. Helping someone in need
58. Sink into a warm bubble bath
59. Spending time with your kids as a couple
60. Enjoying a lazy day with nothing to do
61. Watching a stupid video on the internet
62. Getting an unexpected compliment
63. Meeting an old friend
64. Watching an old favorite movie that you’ve seen many times
65. Taking a day off from work just to relax
66. Looking at old photos and thinking back on the memories
67. Eat a meal in the sunshine
68. Write down all the things you are thankful for
69. Going on a day trip with friends or your partner
70. Look at the stars
71. Empty your inbox
72. Unexpected praise from someone who noticed your hard work
73. A delicious, cold glass of lemonade on a hot day
74. Giving someone an impromptu gift
75. Checking things off your to-do list
76. Climbing into bed with clean sheets
77. Walking your dog around the neighborhood
78. Organize the desk and clear clutter
79. Lazing around for an hour
80. Watching a baby walk for the first time
81. The scent of a bouquet of flowers
82. A letter or postcard from someone you miss
83. A nice exchange with a friendly stranger at the grocery store
84. I look forward to seeing friends again
85. Your favorite song comes on the radio
86. An unexpected kind gesture from a friend or neighbor
87. Organize a closet
88. Cuddling from a child
89. A good meal when you’re really hungry
90. The sound of wind chimes
91. Watching an old favorite TV show
92. Bake cookies in the oven
93. Helping someone who needs help
94. Sitting outside in the sun
95. Go for a walk on a nice day
96. The sound of the waves on the beach
97. Memories of happy times with people you love
98. Good news from a friend or loved one
99. Laugh until your stomach hurts
100. Seeing plants bloom in your garden
101. The sight of falling leaves in autumn
Final Thoughts
There are many things that will help you smile more every day and turn your frown on its head.
Even if you make a conscious effort to smile, it’s good for you, resulting in a multitude of health benefits. Most importantly, smiling has also been shown to be contagious.
