I have heard from people lately that they feel that people seem angrier now. They talk about seeing violence more on the news, or they may even witness it in person. Some talk about how unfriendly people is in the grocery stores. Some have chalked this up to the stress we have experienced this past year due to COVID-19 and the civil unrest that seem to increase with it.
I was really thinking about this and came up with another thought. What about smiling? What about seeing an old friend at the gas station and giving them a big hug or a heartfelt handshake. What about being able to rekindle old friendships at a class reunion? Or gathering a family to celebrate a graduation, or baby shower, or even a wedding? These are things many people have missed out on for over a year.
How Masks Have Affected Mental Health
Many people have reported feeling more anxiety related to seeing people in masks. They have a sense of uneasiness and feel people appear more threatening (mind.org, 2020). I thought about this and realized that we were not able to see people smile. We might smile at someone but there is no way that they would know that. Or we do not smile at all, recognizing people cannot see it due to the face coverings. This got me thinking about how smile is related to mental health and healthy interactions with people.
Benefits of Smiling
- Smiling releases neuropeptides in the brain which helps to reduce stress.
- Smiling releases dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins which are the chemicals in the brain that give a person a sense of wellbeing.
- The endorphins released when smiling is a natural pain killer.
- The serotonin that is released when you smile is a natural anti-depressant and decreases anxiety.
- Studies show that if you smile, people will treat you differently. This is because when smiling you are viewed as attractive, reliable, relaxed, and sincere.
- Studies also show that when seeing a person smile your brain feels like it has been rewarded which is mood lifting.
So, when you are in public and choose not to have a mask, take time to smile at people. It not only benefits them, but it also benefits you!! If you choose to wear a mask, take time to say hi to people or ask them how they are doing. If they cannot see your smile, at least they will be able to hear it which is the next best thing!!
References: Mind (mind.org, 2020). Mask anxiety, face coverings, and mental health.
Riggio, R. (2012). There’s magic in your smile. Psychology Today. Retrieved from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/201206/there-s-magic-in-your-smile.