I realized that this re-posting had to be modified given the current situation of social distancing and wearing masks. Even if it is hard to see one’s smile through a mask, say HELLO, be pleasant, wish others a nice day. Now more than ever, that extra personal touch is needed! . . .
You may find this week’s Healthy Habit silly, but surprisingly, I have found that it does have an effect on my day. Case in point, my morning ritual of grabbing a Dunkin Donuts ice tea. I make it a point to hold the door for people coming in/out—and the people I encounter also do the same for me. Seriously, the customers at this Dunkin Donuts are the friendliest people ever. We all smile at each other, greet each other with a ‘good morning’ or a ‘have a good day’. And you know what? I always feel a little better—it actually perks me up from my morning grogginess and gives a lift to my day.
And then the smiling. That too, in itself, can have an effect. I’ve noticed this it at work. When I smile—and make a point to smile at people I pass in the hallway—my whole being follows suit. It’s like a trigger to tell me that I am happy. That smile – even if I am not ‘feeling it’ at the time – actually does make me feel happier.
And here’s the added bonus about smiling at, holding the door for, and saying hello to people . . . you are positively impacting others as well. That smile could be what brightens someone else’s day. Your friendly greeting could be what changes their mind about how sad they are feeling. You just never know.
And smiles are contagious. Your smile can make someone else smile, who then will make someone else smile, who will then . . .
Give it try!
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