There’s nothing quite like a big smile to perk you up when times are touch. Not only can a big grin make you feel better, it can also cheer up those around you. Smiling, laughing, and positive thinking have been shown to have a huge number of health benefits to both the mind and body.

Stress has been linked to a number of health problems, including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. Being cheerful can relieve stress significantly.

When you laugh, your body releases endorphins. These are brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which make us feel happy. They are also a natural pain and stress reliever. Laughing also reduces levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and gives us a quick burst of energy.

A good, hearty laugh can be beneficial to the lungs, boost immunity, and could even burn off calories. Not to mention, smiley, happy people are thought to have more friends and be more successful, by appearing more confident and approachable.

Of course, it is hard to smile when you are feeling stressed or upset, but just using the same muscles as smiling will put you in a happier mood. Therefore, faking a smile can be just as beneficial – and you’ll probably find that it soon becomes genuine.