40 Non-Material Things That Spark Joy

Smiling has been scientifically proven to make you a happier person. Credit: Shutterstock

33. Smile

Sometimes, being told to “smile more” can feel condescending, especially when we are going through a hard time. There are going to be days where it truly feels impossible to smile. However, there is real scientific evidence that shows that you can trick your brain into feeling happy simply by smiling.

Even if you fake a smile, you will suddenly find yourself feeling happier. Credit: Shutterstock

If you force yourself to smile actually does make you feel happier. When the muscles in your face contract and you smile, your brain thinks that something happy is happening. So it sends a chemical reaction to your brain that makes you feel more joyful. It has also been linked to strengthening your immune system.