A fake smile can help. In the 1930s, Budapest was considered one of the most depressed cities in the world and was even nicknamed the "suicide capital." Enter professor Jeno and hypnotist Binczo, who introduced the concept of a “Smile School.” They began teaching various smile styles, including the Roosevelt smile, the Mona Lisa smile, the Dick Powell smile, and the Loretta smile.
Remarkably, they charged up to $500 for a six-week course on mastering the Roosevelt smile. This might seem odd (see the photos), but the real question is: does a fake smile work?
Many people believe that forcing a smile is harmful. However, research shows that a fake smile can be effective—sometimes even more so than a small, genuine one. Artificial smiles have been shown to reduce pain, lower blood pressure, alleviate stress, and improve mood. For example, groups instructed to produce Duchenne smiles or grimaces reported about 40% less needle pain than neutral expression groups.
Additionally, participants who were told to smile recovered from stressful tasks with lower heart rates than those maintaining neutral expressions, and those displaying Duchenne smiles were the most relaxed with the most positive emotional outcomes.
Do you know how this works?
According to the facial feedback hypothesis, facial expressions reflect emotions and provide feedback to the brain, influencing how we feel. Essentially, sensorimotor feedback from facial muscles signals the brain, informing it of our emotional state. A smile sends a message to the brain that we’re feeling good, while a frown signals discomfort or negativity.
Here’s how you can apply this concept:
1. Pen-in-mouth technique: Participants held a pen between their teeth, simulating a smile. You can do this while working—simple and quick.
2. Facial mimicry: Researchers asked participants to mimic the facial expressions of actors displaying happiness. You could create a folder of photos with great smiles and flip through them to trigger an involuntary smile due to "emotional contagion." This is easy to do in Rewellme app.
3. Voluntary facial action: Deliberately move the corners of your lips toward your ears and elevate your cheeks using your facial muscles. Make the smile as exaggerated as possible.
Grin and bear it: the influence of manipulated facial expression on the stress response Psychol Sci 2012;23(11):1372-8.
Smile (or grimace) through the pain? The effects of experimentally manipulated facial expressions on needle-injection responses Emotion 2021 Sep;21(6):1188-1203.