Smiling is a perfectly normal human expression that costs no one anything. And yet sometimes it seems that sincere smiles are on the wane. People are gradually forgetting what friendliness is. Yet it only takes one simple lift of the corners to make someone happy. World Smile Day, celebrated every year on the first Friday in October, is a reminder of this fact.

A day to spread smiles

Joy is essential in life, and smiles convey that joy. Today, however, people think mostly of themselves and there are far fewer good deeds and acts of kindness. However, putting a random smile on your face is a beautiful and necessary gesture, which is why World Smile Day is always celebrated on the first Friday of October every year.

This day is organised annually by the World Smile Foundation, founded by graphic designer and advertising engineer Harvey Ball. In 1963, he created the yellow laughing smiley face that became world famous. Over the decades, it came to be used in various spheres, but eventually lost its original meaning. So Harvey Ball sensed that things needed to change. So he set up a day that focused on smiles. In 1999, the first edition took place, during which people were asked to use smiles to please those around them. Ball believed that if we smile, we will put a smile on the face of others.

Yellow is the colour of cheer. ━━ Yellow is the colour of cheer. ( Source: puhhha /  iStockphoto )

Benefits of smiles

A smile is not just a demonstration of the function of the facial muscles. It has a positive effect on the psyche as it evokes a pleasant response. In particular, it improves mood, relieves stress and promotes relationship building. According to studies, it also affects physical health. It lowers blood pressure, strengthens the immune system, relieves pain and increases life expectancy.

6 ways to celebrate World Smile Day

What better way to celebrate this day than with a smile. There are six top ways:

  1. Do a random act of kindness that will make anyone in your neighborhood happy.
  2. Use smiley emojis in text messages. The color yellow is a symbol of cheerfulness.
  3. Smile at everyone you meet.
  4. Tell someone a joke.
  5. Spread joy by handing out smiley stickers.
  6. Play positive songs like “Happy” by Pharrell Williams or “Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin.

It costs you nothing to smile

The motto for this day is to do a kind deed and help at least one person smile. A smile doesn’t cost you anything, it makes you feel good. Try to think about the little things that have great power.