A poll of 2,000 adults found going on holiday, waking up on a sunny morning and receiving a kind gesture from someone are among the top things that make us smile
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Bupa conducts smiling social experiment in central London
A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that simple pleasures such as seeing a loved one receive good news, being surprised with a gift, or getting a hug are among the top mood-boosters. Other joy triggers include slipping into bed with freshly laundered sheets, reuniting with an old mate, and watching a playful pup.
Nearly half of the respondents, 46%, feel a surge of happiness when someone smiles at them, and 65% agree it lifts their spirits. This burst of positivity lasts on average over 13 minutes, inspiring 37% to act kinder, 19% to feel more driven, and 9% to make daring choices.
Bupa Dental Care initiated this study for National Smile Month to shed light on the power of smiling. Yet, in a social experiment, only 21% of adults reciprocated a stranger’s smile. Actress Zara Naeem offered a smile to 112 passers-by during a two-hour stint, but only 24 returned the gesture.
Psychologist Jo Hemmings commented:“When we smile, a number of psychological and physiological changes occur that impact both ourselves and those around us. Smiling releases endorphins, dopamine and serotonin – hormones which improve our mood and our sense of well-being – and also reduces cortisol, our stress hormone, making us feel less anxious and more relaxed.
“A genuine and spontaneous smile which reaches our eyes – known as the Duchenne smile – can also lower our blood pressure and boost our immune system, by increasing our production of white blood cells. Smiles also have a positive effect on those around us, by reinforcing friendship, kindness and social bonding as well as having a contagious effect, creating positivity in those on the receiving end of a smile.”
The research also found the average adult claims to smile at a stranger five times a week but 16% admit they rarely or never return the gesture. Of these, a third blame it on simply being lost in their own thoughts and not paying attention to what is happening around them, while 20% put it down to being in a rush. But 27% avoid smiling at others over fears they will ‘look weird ‘ and 14% are too embarrassed.
However, when a stranger smiles at them, half of adults feel happy and 32% feel uplifted. Others feel comforted (11%), ‘warm and fuzzy’ (15%) and confident (11%). Less than one in 10 felt a negative emotion, such as confused (8%) or sceptical (9%).
Despite this, less than half (48%) always return a smile from a stranger, with 34% of those worried the grin was not meant for them. While 32% claim to be so surprised by the gesture that they don’t react quick enough. But when the smile is not returned, 30% are still pleased they made the effort as you never know what someone has going on in their life.
Caitlin Miller, head of dental hygiene and therapy at Bupa Dental Care, which is marking its 25th anniversary throughout 2024, added:“The power of a smile is huge – especially when it comes from someone else and is unexpected. We’ve all been there, when we’ve missed to smile back at someone, but equally when we’ve caught a smile from a stranger, and it sets us up positively for the day. The impact it can have on you and someone else can’t be underestimated.
“Seeing someone’s pearly whites can give you the boost you might need to get through the day, and the more people love their smile by taking care of the teeth, the more likely they are to share it with others, and everyone can enjoy the benefits it brings.”
Here are the top 30 things that make us smile:
- Going on holiday.
- A sunny morning.
- Receiving a kind gesture from someone.
- Receiving a smile from someone.
- A loved one getting good news.
- Doing something that makes someone else laugh or smile.
- Receiving a surprise gift.
- Winning some money.
- Getting a thank you.
- Sitting in the sun.
- Getting into bed with freshly washed sheets.
- Having a cuddle.
- A relaxing, scenic walk.
- Hearing a song that reminds you of something happy.
- Getting a nice, unexpected message.
- Seeing an old friend.
- Reminiscing over old photographs.
- Receiving a spontaneous kiss or cuddle from a loved one.
- Booking a holiday.
- Watching a funny video online.
- Spotting a puppy.
- Snagging a bargain in the sales.
- Hearing a child or baby giggle.
- Discovering money in an old pair of jeans.
- Running into someone you haven’t seen for ages.
- Spending quality time with your pet.
- Getting the answers right while watching a TV quiz.
- Relaxing in a freshly cleaned home.
- Witnessing an elderly couple holding hands.
- Waking up on a Saturday morning and realising it’s the weekend.
SMILE TIPS FROM JO HEMMINGS:
- Make brief eye contact with the person you’re about to smile at, and let your smile be relaxed nothing too exaggerated.
- Feel happy that you’re about to share a smile this will shine through in your expression and make it feel more genuine.
- Be ready for the possibility that the other person might not return the smile. However, know that you’ll still feel good about having smiled at them.
TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR SMILE FROM BUPA DENTAL CARE’S HEAD OF HYGIENE AND THERAPY CAITLIN MILLER:
- Brush and clean between your teeth daily to remove plaque and food particles that can lead to decay and gum disease, keeping your smile looking healthy.
- Maintain a balanced diet, limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks that can erode enamel and cause decay, affecting both the appearance and health of your teeth.
- Regular trips to a dental hygienist can help maintain your pearly whites by removing yellowing calculus and tooth staining, giving you a brighter smile.
- Ditch the tobacco: Smoking and vaping not only stain your teeth but also increase your risk of gum disease and oral cancer. Kicking the habit can significantly enhance both your oral health and the look of your smile.
