A Little Lifestyle Blog: Smile ! It's good for you

"Smile It's Charity (Sadaqa)"

The best charity you can ever give someone is ... a smile ! This small gesture, that spreads positive energy and shows your happy mood is said to decrease blood pressure, stress levels and make you look more attractive.

" A smile is a message about yourself – that your heart is pure and that you are not infected by anxieties, hang-ups, and gloom. A smile is an instant message to those you know as well as those you do not know. It is received and understood even before you speak to or greet someone, and makes that person more receptive to what you have to say." {1}

You see when you smile , your brain releases hormones called endorphins into the bloodstream , which are natural pain killers that make you feel good and happy. Endorphins are also known to have other health benefits like reducing depression symptoms and stress; it has been scientifically proven that the higher the endorphin levels in your system, the less negative emotions and stress we deal with.

Abdullah Ibn al-Harith (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "I never came across a person who smiled as much as the Prophet (peace be upon him)." {2}

Smiling is part of the sunnah. It's one of the little things that make a big difference that the prophet Muhammed (PBUH) demonstrated for his ummah. Something, that we should apply to our everyday life. As the prophet was once quoted, “Your smile for your brother is charity.” People are more likely to co-operate with someone who is smiling at them as the saying goes ... a smile goes a million miles.

Smiling, is contagious. It lightens your mood and those around you, makes you attractive and improves your general health. It's the amazing ! Did you know , that people find it difficult to frown when someone else is smiling at them ? & That it takes more facial muscles to produce a frown than a smile? Smiles use only 5 muscles of all 53 muscles in your face. It's also natural - babies start smiling in their sleep as soon as they're born ! Studies have shown , that girl babies tend to smile a lot earlier and more than boy babies. For more smiley facts click here

Keep Smiling & Stay Blessed,