It seems like there’s always something to be stressed about, whether it’s related to school, work, relationships, 
finances, or *gulp*, the holiday season. Between cooking, traveling, shopping, and hosting friends and family in our homes, we get no time to just sit down and relax. What is supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year” can quickly become the most stressful time of the year.
So does that mean we should just give in and spend our holidays overwhelmed by stress and anxiety? No! This is the time of year to celebrate life, to leave our worries behind, and to enjoy the people we love—and ourselves.
Say Goodbye to Stress with a Smile
Not only is it easier to smile than frown, but smiling actually makes us feel happier. According to scientific studies, when we smile, we stimulate muscles in our face. These muscles then stimulate a specific area of the brain that causes us to feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
But smiling doesn’t just benefit us. Research also shows that smiling can make the people around us feel happier, too. That means that we have the ability to create an environment of fun and joy—at home, at work, or wherever we may be. All we have to do is train ourselves to smile, instead of frown, when we face stress.
So, any time you start to feel upset or stressed about, well, anything this holiday season, don’t forget to show off those pearly whites. Better yet, stop stress before it starts by always keeping a big, bright smile on your face. And since this is supposed to be a time of giving, don’t forget to spread some love and cheer. Make smiling the gift to give this year.