Students who became so used to wearing face masks during the Covid pandemic are signing up for lessons to teach them how to smile again. Smile coach Koike Kawano who runs 'Smile Education' has seen a four-fold rise in demand for lessons, including one-on-one sessions costing 7,700 yen (£44.24) in Japan.
"I think there's a growing need for people to smile," she said. It comes as the country prepares for the return of tourists after the government recently lifted its mask-wearing guidance following three years.
There is also training available to become a smiling coach like Kawano, with one-day workshops on offer for 80,000 yen (£455.46). In one demonstration, people are being taught how to train their mouth and cheekbones to smile by biting on a straw while lifting their cheek muscles to show their top teeth, Japan Times reports.
Now, a leading dentist is urging Brits to take a leaf out of Kawano's book after studies have revealed a cheerful expression has a ripple effect of positivity and health benefits. Beaming grins not only lighten up those around you, but they impact your inner well-being and outlook on life, says top health expert Dr Mahmood of Rüh Dental.
"Smiling creates a ripple effect of positivity," he said. "Actually, smiling can cause a tsunami of positivity, and we should all be doing it more often."
Dr Mahmood stresses with the right care from the right dental expert, anyone can have a winning smile that’s healthy and infectious and positively impact their life. "If a picture paints a thousand words, a winning smile speaks a million," he added.
"Smiling brings instant joy, not just to the beholder but to the one who smiles too. In fact, studies have shown when you see people smile, it sends happy signals to your brain triggering feelings of warmth and a sense of belonging to you and those around you.
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"This boost in mood, also contributes to lower stress levels, keeping the panic hormone cortisol at bay which can be bad for our health."
Another benefit to grinning is that your appeal increases when you lighten up, Dr Mahmood says. "You become more attractive, instantly," he explains.
"Your lower facial muscles lift, and with that cause a knock-on effect to the rest of your face, lifting the cheeks and prompting a twinkle in the eye." Confidence also increases when you turn a frown upside down, the expert pointed out.
"A smile raises a feeling of self-assurance, determination and courage, making you feel more confident in your daily activities. And when you feel more confident there is nothing you can’t achieve. A positive mind leads to productive vibes and constructive activity all-round.
"When you feel positive, you also feel more creative. And when you’re creative you get more done and feel a sense of achievement giving you even more to smile about."
