Results of an interesting study to
find out if smiling, even forced smiling can reduce stress. The
Study is published in the journal Psychological Science.
Researchers used chopsticks to manipulate the facial muscles of
their 169 participants into a neutral expression, a standard smile,
or a Duchenne smile. A Duchenne smile engages the muscles around the
mouth, raises the cheeks, and includes eyes.
In addition to the chopstick placement, some were explicitly
instructed to smile. Then, they were subjected to a series of
stress-inducing, multitasking activities, which they struggled to
perform while continuing to hold the chopsticks in their mouths. The
subjects' heart rates and self-reported stress levels were monitored
throughout.
The participants who were instructed to smile recovered from the
stressful activities with lower heart rates than participants who
held neutral expressions. Those with Duchenne smiles were the most
relaxed of all, with the most positive affect. Those with forced
smiles held only by the chopsticks also reported more positive
feelings than those who didn't smile.
When a situation has you feeling stressed or flustered, even the
most forced smiles can genuinely decrease your stress and make you
happier.