10 key facts

  1. smiling is contagious
  2. smiling activates the release of neuropeptides, tiny molecules that allow neurons to communicate
  3. when we smile the feel good neurotransmitters, dopamine, endorphins and serotonin are all released
  4. smiling is a worldwide, universal sign of happiness
  5. happy people are more productive
  6. babies are born with the ability to smile and smile in their sleep from birth
  7. smiling does not create wrinkles
  8. we have an inbuilt ability to spot fake smiles
  9. the gold standard smile is the Duchenne smile, it engages the mouth, the cheeks and the eyes simultaneously
  10. our faces don’t just reflect emotions, they also originate them