Smile Therapy
Definition
Smile Therapy is a therapeutic practice that involves intentionally smiling to improve mood and reduce stress. It's based on the Facial Feedback Effect.
Analogy
Think of Smile Therapy as a free medicine that you always carry with you. Just like taking a pill can help alleviate physical pain, forcing yourself to smile can help lift your mood and reduce emotional distress.
Related terms
Positive Psychology: The scientific study of what makes life most worth living, focusing on both individual and societal well-being. Smile therapy is one technique used in this field.
Stress Management: Techniques intended to equip a person with effective coping mechanisms for dealing with psychological stress, with stress defined as a person's physiological response to an internal or external stimulus that triggers the fight-or-flight response. Smile therapy could be considered one such technique.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A type of psychotherapeutic treatment that helps patients understand the thoughts and feelings that influence behaviors. Smile therapy could be seen as a simple form of CBT where changing behavior (smiling) influences thoughts and feelings.
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