It goes without saying that we’d prefer to encounter somebody who’s smiling rather than frowning.

But let’s take a selfish moment to consider what a smile does for us.

When we smile, it stimulates our brain’s “reward center.” It’s akin to the feeling experienced by a dog when its master reaches into the bag of treats, or the “rush” that comes over us upon realizing we’ve conquered a personal challenge.

Smiling also reduces stress, and it probably takes little to no convincing that less stress is a good thing.

A smile invites conversation and engagement, both of which have a meaningful impact on mental wellness and overall well-being.

How do you turn that frown upside down? Smile at strangers. Get them to smile back. You can also set a reminder to practice regular smiling exercises.