Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Smile


Go ahead, do it.

No, really! Go ahead and smile.

Yes, even if you don't feel like it.

Your mom and Nike are right. Just do it already! You'll feel better when you're all done.

One of my favorite quotes from my favorite philosopher is:

"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but
sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy."

This ancient piece of wisdom has now been "proven" by the scientific method.

Turns out, a bunch of those wackos in the ivory tower have been studying this stuff. And sure enough, just the mere act of smiling, even if you don't feel happy, changes the brain's functioning. Don't believe me? Here are a couple of links to check out:

One is more readable,

the other is written in all that scientific gobbledy-gook. Just skip down to the "Discussion" section.

I know! Crazy, huh?!

But really. You should try it.

I did a couple of days ago, when we were having yet ANOTHER gray day (I lost count of the exact number), and the mini-muffins had serious cabin fever which caused them to launch into frenetic physical activity every 2 1/2 minutes or so, and as much as I nursed, babied or bullied it, my right leg and foot continued to hurt like hell, even if I used the eliptical! I was in a bad, bad, state. For some reason, I'll call it Grace, I remembered this idea and went ahead and tried it.

Laughter, or just smiling, really is the best medicine.

1 comment:

ECrunnergirl said...

Sometimes I have to FORCE that smile too...especially at work. But it does make a difference.

Its been cloudy and dreary here too and its definitely wearing on the ol' spirits :-O and even when the sun FINALLY came out...it was too cold to go outside.

I love that website that you linked to your favorite philosopher...very interesting.

Hope that leg gets better soon Lisa...I know it must be very frustrating-