Ah, wonderful article, Catherine! I've found that your influence in this particular area of psychology has worked its ways into my tutelage as a coach, in helping those athletes understand themselves better both during and after certain workouts. And the research on smiling in athletics is a question I've received over the years: https://larunningcoach.substack.com/p/smiling-and-feeling-happy-while-running
I became acquainted with Catherine Sanderson on One Day University. Her presentation was fantastic. I especially liked her joke about being cut off at the McDonalds window. Hope you don't mind that I tell it all the time. We need more happiness hints like this article to be spread around.
Excellent summary of scientific research plus clear practical personal applications! Catherine is a higher level, but equally compelling, Brene Brown! Love her insights.
What a lovely compliment - and the practical applications of scientific research is what I like best about the field of psychology! As I often say, psychology is everywhere!
Appreciate the article, definitely food for thought! I recently realized that I often smile when I’m out for my daily walk. I discovered that because when I would pass people they smiled back. Smiling can be contagious and you don’t need a vaccination to prevent it or do it!
I love that example - I often thought that one of the challenging things about COVID was you couldn't see people smiling! And great example - smiling IS contagious ... maybe a topic for a future post!
Several years ago, I read something about how it takes far fewer facial muscles to smile than to frown. I was surprised, because for me, smiling takes conscious effort. I practiced in front of a mirror holding my mouth in a more upward position. It wasn't exactly a smile, but I looked pleasant and amiable. It's now a comfortable position to hold and it doesn't require much effort anymore.
After reading your article, I'm thinking my efforts have paid off because I do feel happy most of the time. I have a positive outlook even when I've encountered difficulties. My upbeat outlook could also be due to maturity and practicing acceptance, but I think being intentional about smiling has had its own influence.
That is really interesting about the facial muscles - and how impressive that you have followed that advice and practiced! I don't naturally smile easily ... so maybe that's something I should work on!
Ah, wonderful article, Catherine! I've found that your influence in this particular area of psychology has worked its ways into my tutelage as a coach, in helping those athletes understand themselves better both during and after certain workouts. And the research on smiling in athletics is a question I've received over the years: https://larunningcoach.substack.com/p/smiling-and-feeling-happy-while-running
As a new runner, this is great to learn! As I often say - psychology is everywhere!
I became acquainted with Catherine Sanderson on One Day University. Her presentation was fantastic. I especially liked her joke about being cut off at the McDonalds window. Hope you don't mind that I tell it all the time. We need more happiness hints like this article to be spread around.
Ha, that is one of my favorite stories! And yes, we all benefit from living in a world with more happiness!
Excellent summary of scientific research plus clear practical personal applications! Catherine is a higher level, but equally compelling, Brene Brown! Love her insights.
What a lovely compliment - and the practical applications of scientific research is what I like best about the field of psychology! As I often say, psychology is everywhere!
Appreciate the article, definitely food for thought! I recently realized that I often smile when I’m out for my daily walk. I discovered that because when I would pass people they smiled back. Smiling can be contagious and you don’t need a vaccination to prevent it or do it!
I love that example - I often thought that one of the challenging things about COVID was you couldn't see people smiling! And great example - smiling IS contagious ... maybe a topic for a future post!
I just heard a podcast on hidden brain that addressed the cynicism in the world and talked about how people who have hope in some form are better off.
I love Hidden Brain - and that's such an important reminder ... hope is good for us all (especially these days)!
Explains Kamala Harris
I had NOT made that connection - but you are exactly right!
Several years ago, I read something about how it takes far fewer facial muscles to smile than to frown. I was surprised, because for me, smiling takes conscious effort. I practiced in front of a mirror holding my mouth in a more upward position. It wasn't exactly a smile, but I looked pleasant and amiable. It's now a comfortable position to hold and it doesn't require much effort anymore.
After reading your article, I'm thinking my efforts have paid off because I do feel happy most of the time. I have a positive outlook even when I've encountered difficulties. My upbeat outlook could also be due to maturity and practicing acceptance, but I think being intentional about smiling has had its own influence.
Thank you for your article. I enjoyed reading it!
That is really interesting about the facial muscles - and how impressive that you have followed that advice and practiced! I don't naturally smile easily ... so maybe that's something I should work on!