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Every Friday on The Verywell Mind Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Amy Morin, LCSW, shares the “Friday Fix”—a short episode featuring a quick, actionable tip or exercise to help you manage a specific mental health issue or concern.
Friday Fix: Episode 139
It’s true that happy people smile. But it may also be true that people feel happy because they smile.
But, you may have also heard about the dangers of forcing a smile when you aren’t feeling it. After all, aren’t you repressing your emotions?
Faking a smile might boost your mood, reduce your stress, and help you bounce back from challenges fast.
I also explain how a fake smile impacts your brain, when to try it, and what benefits you can expect.
There’s a difference between faking a smile for someone else’s benefit and giving yourself a smile to boost your mood. This episode will explain what research says about this.
And if you aren’t able to force a smile sometimes because you’re just not feeling it, that’s OK too. This episode shares another strategy that works well for those days when you can’t seem to muster a fake smile.
More About the Podcast
The Verywell Mind Podcast is available across all streaming platforms. If you like the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.
Reviews and ratings are a great way to encourage other people to listen and help them prioritize their mental health too.
If You Liked This Episode You Might Also Like These Episodes:
Links and Resources
- Follow Amy Morin on Instagram.
- Check out Amy’s books on mental strength.
- Watch Amy’s TEDx talk, “The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong”
Download the Transcript
- Friday Fix: How to Reduce Uncomfortable Emotions So You Can Think Clearly
- How to Face Uncomfortable Emotions with Comedian Paul Gilmartin
- Friday Fix: How to Get Yourself in the Best Emotional State for Different Circumstances
