The Physiological Power of an Entrepreneur’s Smile
One of the very first things that one of my trail running coaches at Mindful Runner taught me years ago is the simple trick that if you think you are tired, you need a smile on your face. A simple physiological trick. Even if you run with a pencil in your mouth, the simple effect of getting the smiling muscles into gear will send signals to the brain that you are happy. Sound like hogwash? I have used this trick on many a run since then, and it works!! The big question is whether or not it will work if life gets me down?
Yes, it’s true; the stresses and strains of life can wreck an entrepreneur’s mind. It is said that 80% of the success of an entrepreneur is based in his (or her) mind and how you cope with it. The brilliant part is that even if you fake a smile for a while, you can fill your entrepreneurial energy tank to the brim. Research supports the idea that even a fake smile can improve mood and increase your feeling of energy.
The Facial Feedback Theory
This concept is based on the facial feedback theory, which suggests that the muscles used to smile send signals to the brain, making a person feel happier and potentially triggering the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin.
As an entrepreneur, your days are often filled with challenges, decisions, and the occasional bout of stress. But what if the simple act of smiling could boost your energy and help you tackle your to-do list with renewed energy? The science behind smiling reveals fascinating insights into how this small gesture can have profound physiological effects, even when it’s faked. Let’s explore how smiling can make you feel more energetic and why even holding a pencil between your teeth might be worth trying.
The Science of Smiling: A Positive Feedback Loop
Smiling isn’t just a social cue; it’s a powerful physiological tool that can influence your brain and body. When you smile, your brain releases neuropeptides that combat stress and neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. These chemicals act as natural mood boosters, reducing anxiety and elevating your overall sense of well-being.
Interestingly, this process works in reverse as well. Known as the facial feedback hypothesis, the act of smiling itself—whether genuine or forced—sends signals to your brain that reinforce feelings of happiness. This creates a positive feedback loop: your brain feels good, so you smile; you smile, so your brain feels even better. This loop can energize you by reducing stress hormones like cortisol and increasing feelings of joy and relaxation.
Faking It: The Pencil Trick
Even if you don’t feel like smiling, forcing one can still yield benefits. One quirky but effective method is holding a pencil between your teeth. This action activates the same facial muscles used in a natural smile, tricking your brain into releasing those feel-good chemicals. Studies have shown that this simple exercise can lower heart rates and improve mood, making it easier to face challenges with a more positive outlook.
However, it’s worth noting that some recent research has questioned the effectiveness of the pencil trick in replicating all the benefits of a genuine smile. The key may lie in how fully the facial muscles are engaged and whether the brain perceives the expression as an authentic smile. Even so, many experts agree that any form of smiling—real or fake—can still provide some emotional uplift.
Physiological Benefits for Entrepreneurs
For entrepreneurs, smiling offers several practical benefits:
- Stress Reduction: Smiling decreases cortisol levels while boosting serotonin, helping you stay calm under pressure.
- Increased Energy: By triggering endorphin release, smiling can make you feel more awake and energized—similar to the effects of exercise.
- Enhanced Productivity: Dopamine released during smiling improves cognitive functions like decision-making and creativity, essential traits for entrepreneurial success.
- Improved Social Interactions: Smiling is contagious and can create a positive atmosphere in team meetings or client interactions.
How to Incorporate Smiling Into Your Day
Here are some tips to harness the power of smiling:
- Start Your Day With a Smile: Look in the mirror each morning and smile at yourself—it may feel silly but can set a positive tone for the day.
- Use the Pencil Hack: When feeling stressed or low on energy, hold a pencil between your teeth for 30 seconds to simulate a smile.
- Surround Yourself With Smiles: Spend time with people who smile often; their positivity is likely to rub off on you thanks to mirror neurons in your brain1.
- Smile During Breaks: Take short breaks during work to consciously smile—it’s like hitting a mental refresh button.
Faking it till you make it
To be dead honest with you, I have just come out of a couple of days where I hit a low point. Feeling sorry for myself is not cool. In fact, it stinks. Luckily, I know that everyone gets their moments. I am not unique, and from my experience as a business coach, I know that I am not alone. The trick is to get yourself out of it ASAP!
Smiling is more than just an expression; it’s a tool that entrepreneurs can use to boost energy, reduce stress, and enhance productivity. Whether it’s genuine or faked using techniques like the pencil trick, smiling activates powerful physiological processes that can make navigating the entrepreneurial journey just a little bit easier.
So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to smile—you might be pleasantly surprised at how much it helps!
