Why Smiling Is Good for You – and Five Photos That Guarantee Grins on World Happiness Day

Never underestimate the power and impact of one simple facial gesture: your smile.

Universally understood even by infants, the movement of upturning your lips can create happy feelings—even when you are not feeling happy.

Everyone has seen how an infant responds to a smile. The response is instinctive. Dr. David Chamberlain studied babies beginning at conception, and studied brain activity in infants. Contrary to popular belief, early smiles are not all “gas”.

Smile centers in the brain are active from a very early prenatal stage of development, and they are now considered to be an important part of learning how to cope with the world, even before we see our first glimpse of daylight, according to Smile! The The Powerful Science of Smiling.

Dr. Norman Cousins was reportedly able to reverse his own cancer with laughter because the body has its own biochemical system of responses, so that even a fake smile can lead to real happiness. Studies of brain waves have revealed that faking a real smile was sufficient to activate the pleasure centers in the brain.

Try it right now. You will likely feel a response.

WATCH: Terminal Cancer Survivor Spends Days Smiling and Waving at Drivers

The smile may be more useful in defusing a negative situation than any persuasion. It is the easiest way to uplift someone’s day, especially a stranger who may be experiencing tough times.

Today, March 20th, is the annual International Day of Happiness celebrated by the United Nations – so here are five stories and photos to ignite your smile…

5. Couple’s Breathtaking Engagement Photoshoot Shows it’s Never Too Late For Love

4. Formerly Homeless Bus Driver Wins Awards Because He Never Stops Smiling – And His Passengers Love It

3. Watch Dick Van Dyke Celebrate 90th Birthday With Flash Mob of Chimney Sweeps

2. This “Smiley” Dog Born Without Eyes Serves as Beacon for Disabled

1. This UN Photo Shows Women in Liberia Celebrating Ten Tears of Peace and an Ebola-free Country

SHARE some Good News with your Friends to Help them Smile! (Top Photo by Giacomo Pirozzi for UNICEF)