My wife was telling me about a toothpaste commercial that claims the average adult smiles 50 times a day.  We both thought that number was a little low so we started searching for more info on Google.  Quickly we turned up study after study about the smile frequency of adults and children.  Most studies would conclude that an average of 50 smiles a day is actually on the high side.

The science and research of smiling is actually quite fascinating.  Let me hit you with a few points that stood out to me:

• There are real smiles and fake smiles.  Scientists (and your brain) can tell the difference.  A fake or social smile activates the zygomaticus major muscle which controls the corners of the mouth.  A real smile activates the orbicularis oculi muscle which encircles the eye socket.  A social smile simply raises the corners of the mouth while a real smile activates muscles throughout the face.  Chemical reactions in your body send feedback about whether your smile is genuine or social.
• Children smile about 400 times a day.  The happiest of adults smiles about 40-50 times a day.  An average adult smiles about 20 times a day.  No wonder we like being around children…they can literally light up our lives.  Smiling can change the way our brain functions, reduce stress, and can give our bodies a feeling almost similar to getting good sleep.
• In 2000 Berkley professors Harker and Keltner researched the long-term success of women based on yearbook photos.  They tested the hypothesis that genuine smiles in high school yearbook photos would lead to higher levels of personal satisfaction, health and success.  Research proved their hypothesis and a summary of their report concludes with this statement – “People photograph each other with casual ease and remarkable frequency, usually unaware that each snapshot may capture as much about the future as it does the passing emotions of the moment.
• A similar study of smiles on baseball cards found that those with large, genuine smiles lived 7 years longer than others.  Smile or die 🙂

Of course none of this information is groundbreaking for you or me.  We all recognize the personal benefits of smiling.  It is always good to get a reminder to take a break from the craziness of careers, raising kids, etc. and just enjoy a genuine smile and laugh with those we love and care about.

Family time and Bible study also leads to a longer life.  Check out this family Bible study >>> Dinnertime Devotionals 23