Smile in Crosby MN

I made a trip to a big box store today. It had been a while, but I was startled at what I saw. It seemed to be a weird mix of the bad economic vibes from 5 years ago blended with a phobia that affected everyone there. It seemed like a scene from a B-movie named “Masked Phobic Zombies from Cleveland”. Masks covered many of the patrons that were doing their duty by staying the acceptable 6 feet apart. This wasn’t the startling part. The startling part was that this was accompanied by a near-complete aversion to eye contact, to saying hello, or to extend any act of kindness. The normally helpful staff appeared to be affected, as well. Sadness was the prevailing wind.

I left thinking about this and asking, “what could possibly be the antidote to this ‘Illness’”. The answer, in part, presented itself in a pedestrian I passed on the way home: smile more and wave more. He was, and it brought a bit of a smile out of me. As your Crosby Chiropractor I wanted to get this message out.

Smiling Side Effects in Crosby

Did you know that just the act of smiling has an amazing effect on your brain and body? This is true, even it is a fake smile! One thing that happens is that chemicals are released. Serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins go into your bloodstream and help reduce stress, blood pressure, and heart rate. They can also lift your mood, relax your body, and can actually reduce pain. If you need more, it can help you live longer!

Seeing smiling faces can change the way your brain works. Scientists have found that seeing a smiling face can activate a part of your brain that makes you feel like you are being rewarded. Wow! And when you smile, it also activates an unconscious and automatic response in the person seeing it that causes them to mimic it and makes frowning harder. Hmm… It seems like the antidote may be a smile away!

My daughter with me noticed a lady wearing a mask with a notable difference: you could tell she was smiling! So, if you are out and about, even with a mask, smile and add a wave so that they can receive their award of the day. Make the SHIFT today!