Nearly 60% of Australians believe that a great smile boosts confidence, reveals the Australian Society of Orthodontists. And the power of a confident smile knows no bounds! It can light up the dimmest room and forge bonds within seconds. Smiling can also pull your whole look together better than the latest designer bag or shade of lipstick. Here, learn why a radiant grin is the ultimate accessory to pass vibe checks everywhere.
The benefits of a confident smile
Smiling is always a good idea. It can set the tone for the rest of your day and disarm defences during a first encounter. Unlock the benefits of a confident smile that will give you plenty of reason to get grinning!
Helps make a lasting impression.
A survey among 2,000 Americans by SWNS Digital reveals that a smile accounts for 76% of first impressions. Indeed, a warm and confident smile can open doors to opportunities for new relationships and even potential jobs. If you’re unsure about smiling confidently during interviews, try recalling a happy memory and let your face naturally light up. You’ll wow your interviewers, for sure!
Makes you look more approachable.
Studies from the University of West Alabama confirm that smiling is contagious. Neuroscientist and professor Sophie Scott explains: “This response in the brain, automatically priming us to smile or laugh, provides a way of mirroring the behaviour of others, something which helps us interact socially. It could play an important role in building strong bonds between individuals in a group.”
More research from the Conference on User Modelling, Adaptation and Personalization suggests that smiling increases a person’s likability and credibility. If you often feel out of place, maybe it’s time to rethink your unhappy resting face. Transform your face into a beaming ray of positivity by flashing a confident smile and watch everyone flock your way.
Shaves years off your face.
Instead of spending an arm and a leg on invasive anti-ageing remedies, try flashing a confident smile. Studies from the University of Missouri-Kansas City show that people are more likely to be categorised as old when showing sad facial expressions. Older respondents rated higher as younger-looking when they looked happy. There’s no question about it – a smile is the secret to delaying the hands of time.
Boosts your mood.
The British Psychological Society emphasises how smiling can initiate feelings of happiness. Grinning your way out of your blues is a handy trick to boost your mood. In fact, studies say it’s harder to put on a frown than a smile! Research from Michigan State University says it only takes 13 muscles to smile compared to the 47 muscles you need to frown. So, flex your best confident smile to look as great as you feel.
Enhances your natural beauty.
A confident smile can highlight your best features. Smiling draws attention to a beautiful pair of eyes and matches your glowing skin to keep you looking fresh. Like your fingerprint or unique personality, your smile is your personal brand. It’s a reflection of your self-expression and inner beauty that radiates from within.
How to have a confident smile
Turn to these tips to help you smile confidently and add personal flair to your grin:
- Practise smiling. Try smiling in front of a mirror. Experiment with different angles and find what feels most natural and comfortable.
- Maintain good posture. Your posture can impact how confident your smile appears. Stand tall, relax your shoulders, and let your smile reflect your inner strength.
- Smile with your eyes. A confident smile is a genuine one. When smiling, let your eyes crinkle to show authenticity.
- Relax and breathe. Before you smile, take a deep breath and relax your facial muscles. A relaxed face sets the stage for a more confident smile.
- Smile often. The more you smile, the more natural and confident it will become. Practise smiling in different situations, whether alone or with others.
- Think positively. Banish bad vibes by replacing negative self-talk with positive thoughts. It’s easy to smile when you think about all the reasons to be happy.
Make simple changes to your routine to make your smile beam from the inside out. Catch up on your beauty Zs. Exude confidence by loving the skin you’re in. And show off your most stunning self with flawlessly straight teeth!
ClearCorrect aligners tackle misalignments and bite issues, like overbites and underbites. This treatment lets you bring out your confidence with a more comfortable and discreet alternative to treating crooked or overcrowded teeth. Take this online smile assessment to know if you’re a candidate.
Never leave home without a confident smile. It will help you stay calm and self-assured to take on the day. Strut your stuff and flash your best grin! It’s the one accessory that will bring out the best in you.
References:
DigitalHubUSA, & DigitalHubUSA. (2022, January 13). First thing people spot when they open up a dating app profile is this. Digitalhub US.
Jodi Schulz, Michigan State University Extension. (2015, November 16). What does a smile say? MSU Extension.
Research that might make you smile more often | UMKC Today Archives. (n.d.).
Salminen, J., Jung, S., Santos, J. M., & Jansen, B. J. (2019). The Effect of Smiling Pictures on Perceptions of Personas. UMAP’19 Adjunct: Adjunct Publication of the 27th Conference on User Modelling, Adaptation and Personalization.
Uwa. (2023, February 28). Psychology to Grin about: The Benefits of Smiling and Laughter | UWA Online. UWA Online.
Young, E. (2022, November 16). Adopting a smile can make you feel happier, large global study finds. BPS.