Feeling stressed? Try to swap your usual reaction of looking sad for a smile to keep your heart and head happy. The simple act of smiling can reduce stress and lower your heart rate according to scientists at the University of Kansas in the US. Their research shows that by activating the facial muscles you use to smile, a message is sent to your brain telling it you are happy. When you feel the smile, you become happy according to the researchers. They add that if you are happy, you perceive stress differently and feel less threatened.
Published in February 2016
