For some people, their teeth might be the part of their body they're most insecure about. And this insecurity, whether purposeful or not, can prevent people from smiling openly when they're happy, excited, proud, or just being silly. You may be thinking, "Okay, and? It's not like smiling is necessary to survive," but in some ways, it is. It turns out that smiling is an integral part of our health, and when we miss out on those big grins because we’re embarrassed, our health suffers. If you're wondering how it works, here are four ways smiling benefits our health.
of the smile doesn't matter. Meaning, you can trick your body into releasing hormones that make you feel better just by smiling! SMILING BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM. As happy neurotransmitters release into your body, your cortisol levels drop. Cortisol, the stress hormone, actively suppresses your immune system to keep your body in its "fight or flight" mode. So, when you feel happier and less stressed, your immune system has the resources to function correctly and keep you healthy. SMILING REDUCES PAIN. Those handy happy neurotransmitters your brain releases also act as natural painkillers; serotonin, in particular, is one of the most powerful. And when you grin, your body also releases endorphins, which are opioid peptides. If the word opioid sounds familiar, it's because it is the medication class many popular prescription painkillers fall into. So, smiling is a natural way to relieve pain without medication. If your teeth insecurity stops you from smiling, you're missing out on many natural health benefits. Talk to your dentist today to find a resolution that will leave you happy and healthy!
SMILING MAKES YOU FEEL LESS STRESSED.
Research shows that when you smile, even if it isn't genuine, your heart rate decreases, and you feel less stressed. Participants in one blind study who used chopsticks to keep their mouths in the smiling position reported having better recovery during a stressful task than those whose mouths were in a neutral position. SMILING REDUCES DEPRESSION. When you smile, your body releases "happy" neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, and research shows that the intent
YOUR BODY WILL THANK YOU Smile!
Make Your Summertime Parties Sustainable! ECO-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVES ANY HOST CAN USE
AVOID DISPOSABLE DISHES. Yes, disposable cups, plates, and silverware make party cleanup easier. But to be more eco-friendly, you should opt for the dishes, cups, and plates you already have in your home. To make cleanup easier, empty your dishwasher ahead of time and ask your guests to pop their dirty dishes right into the washer. After they leave, you only need to add detergent and turn the machine on! PUT THE RECYCLING BIN IN PLAIN SIGHT. Metal cans and plastic bottles are unavoidable at summer parties, but when guests are unsure where the recycling is in someone else's home, they usually end up in the trash. So, before the party starts, put your recycling bin in a place everyone can see, and consider labeling it. When people ask where to put their bottles and cans, say "the recycling by the [location]" instead of "the trash" to make it even more straightforward.
Summertime brings images of pool parties, backyard barbecues, Father's Day family gatherings, and endless get-togethers with loved ones. But these countless parties usually come with elaborate decorations and disposable dishes. While they make your party festive and easy to clean, they end up in the dump, where they'll sit for years. Even worse, they could get into our oceans and harm endangered sea life. However, you can still host fantastic summertime celebrations without sacrificing sustainability. So, if you're looking to turn up the hosting heat, here are three ways to entertain your guests while remaining eco-friendly.
REUSE HOME DECOR. If you have an indoor party, consider printing theme- appropriate images from the internet and inserting them into the picture frames you already have hanging. Or, grab a garland from your Christmas decoration box and weave in some fresh flowers from your yard or local nursery to fit the season. Consider dragging potted plants closer to the action for outdoor festivities and draping them with your Christmas lights to create a relaxing and enchanting ambiance!
The important thing to remember when becoming more eco-conscious is that it's okay to start small! If trying all three of these tips at once is overwhelming, begin by changing one aspect of your party to something more sustainable and celebrate saving the planet!
2 | WrigleyvilleDental.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator