Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Lifestyle
Andrew Young

Smiles are just as contagious as laughter - typically passing on to three people

A smile is as infectious as laughter and typically passes on to three people, according to research.

A poll of 2,000 Brits looked into how far positivity can spread, with three quarters claiming a smile from someone brightens their day.

And 28% value it so much, they feel being on the receiving end of a grin is worth more than a gift.

While 62% said a simple smile from someone leaves them feeling more confident and 36% wanting to do something nice for someone else.

The study was commissioned by Belvita, which teamed up with Katie Piper, to create an uplifting portrait series celebrating and representing smiles that have sparked community spirit across the UK.

Portrait series is to encourage community to continue positivity (Belvita/SWNS)

The series, shot by world-renowned celebrity portrait photographer Andy Gotts, features five local heroes alongside the philanthropist, who have gone above and beyond in their local communities.

These include Oyovwe Agatha Kigho, founder of the Widows Empowerment Trust, and Stefan Simanowitz, founder of Take One, Leave One.

It also features Sam Pritchard, who started the "Cards Fighting Loneliness" initiative and Jacky Alder, a local wonder woman who cooked, shopped and dog-walked for elderly residents in her community throughout the pandemic.

Katie Piper OBE said: “We don’t realise the true impact our smiles have on others - it’s a small gesture that can really change someone’s day.

“I hope you see the portrait series and are inspired to continue the chain of positivity.”

The study also found 26% value a smile more than getting praise at work, and 52% said it makes them feel happier.

In fact, 64% said the impact of a smile from a stranger equates to the same feeling of receiving up to three compliments in one day.

As a result of the humble smile, Brits feel empowered to pass the positivity onto their friends (57%), family (55%) and even strangers (23%).

The research, conducted via OnePoll, also found a smile is needed more than ever as darker days draw closer, with 61% needing a boost of positivity.

As 75% feel their mood is affected by the shorter and chillier days of the autumn and winter months.

28% of Brits feel that being on the receiving end of a smile is precious - and worth more than a gift (Belvita/SWNS)

It also emerged 42% feel lonelier in the colder months, with this drop in temperature making it harder to interact with others, according to 38% of those polled.

A third feel people smile less during the colder months, but 33% agreed a grin goes much further when it is dreary outside.

Gabriella Sargeant, at Belvita, added: “We believe that positive energy can start with the smallest gesture, such as a smile, or an act of kindness from a stranger - which all help to spread positivity from one person to another.

“Our portrait series champions the smiles of unsung heroes who’ve gone the extra mile for their community, in a bid to spread positivity across the UK.

“We want to keep celebrating these good gestures, so are asking you to help spread positivity by telling us about your hero and smile spreader by heading to our Instagram page.”

Follow the #BelvitaSmileSpreaders hashtag to view the positive portraits and get involved by telling us about a hero smile spreader in your community.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.