Sometimes it’s hard to wake up and cheerfully embrace the gift of another day on our blue planet. If you’re having a tough time finding a reason to smile today, here are seven reasons that might help put a smile on your face:

1. According to the Schachter-Singer Theory, you will improve your mood just by smiling. You might not be thrilled that it’s a Monday morning, but you’ll feel better about it! As Thich Nhat Hanh wrote, “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”
2. You strengthen your bonds with your friends when you share a smile with them. George Elio wrote, “Wear a smile and have friends; wear a scowl and have wrinkles.” And Walter Anderson wrote, “Smile. Have you ever noticed how easily puppies make human friends? Yet all they do is wag their tails and fall over.”
   
3. When you smile at someone (even over the phone), you often win a smile in return. As one author wrote, “A smile is something you can’t give away; it always comes back to you.” 
   
4. A warm smile can quickly engage other people, regardless of your appearance. Lee Mildon wrote, “People seldom notice old clothes if you wear a big smile,” and Charles Gordy wrote, “A smile is an inexpensive way to change your looks.”
5. In a tense situation, there is great power in being able to relax, smile, and not get caught up in the tension. As a famous proverb states, “One who smiles rather than rages is always the stronger.”
6. Research suggests that humor and joy can boost the immune system and improve overall health. Tom Peters wrote, “The physiology of smiling diffuses a lot of anger and angst. It makes your body and soul feel better,” and a Chinese proverb assures, “A smile will gain you ten more years of life.”
7. No one can take your smile away from you. Even when smiling seems impossible in sad or even tragic situations, your smile is ready to shine at any time. “You haven’t lost your smile, its right there under your nose. You just forgot it was there.”

Wishing you extra smiles today!