Let’s be realistic: we’ve all had one of those days where things seem to be ever-spiralling into the abyss of misfortune.

Some days it seems impossible to see the positive side, and as you trudge through the shopping centre with a frown ingrained on your brow and that annoyingly pleasant shop attendant says: “smile!” it feels like the most trying request that’s ever been asked of you.

Though at the time it may seem he’s been put on this earth to push your buttons, it may do you well to pay attention to that wise old shop attendant’s advice.  Indeed, when faced with the miserable checkout attendant that can hardly raise her eyes to look at you, let alone the corners of her mouth, it can seem entirely futile to offer a hearty grin. Actually, you’d be doing yourself a favour, as well as the cheery customer service representative. 

We’ve all heard the saying that smiling is contagious. This is true – but more effective when it’s a genuine smile, and Gelotologists (researchers who study smiling and laughter) say it’s all in the eyes. What’s more, a smile will not only increase your mood instantaneously, but improves your long-term health and longevity.

A smile has been scientifically proven to release endorphins - effectively relieving stress, lowering your blood pressure and making you look younger and more attractive.

Ron Gutman, Gelotologist and personal health expert, revealed a number of positive facts about the smile earlier this year at a conference in California.

Ron compared the smile to a superpower, saying those with the most amazing superpowers are children, who smile as many as 400 times per day.

He said British researchers found that one smile would generate the same amount of brain stimulation as up to 2000 bars of chocolate (keep that in mind the next time you fancy something sweet).

I can only presume having read this article you’ll now remain a positive and smiling person for the rest of your days. Accordingly, I challenge you to use this superpower for the ‘good of mankind‘.

The next time you encounter some miserable, intolerable, rude person (who may just be having a bad day as we all sometimes do), offer them the most genuine, positively energetic smile you have, and see if you can turn them around... because you’ll be doing yourself a favour too.