Named after French physician Guillaume Duchenne, who first noted an anatomical distinction between a week, or fake smile, and one that reveals a truly spontaneous emotion. His work took place in the mid-nineteenth century during a study of human facial expressions.
The alternative to the Duchenne smile, one without ‘crows feet’ around the eyes, is what is often called a PanAm smile – so named because it resembled the mild smile with which customers were greeted when they boarded the now-defunct PanAm airlines. What is notable about the Duchenne smile are the physiological responses that take place in the body when a smile is genuine.
Consider this from Dan Johnston, PhD…
Dr. William Fry, a physician and researcher, has studied humor for 20 years and found that it is good for us — not only for our mood — but for our health as well. Laughter relieves stress and improves our immune system. Laughing has been described as an internal jog; massaging our inner organs and giving them a workout. Smiling exercises 14 facial muscles.
When we laugh our blood pressure goes up and then comes down. We also stretch our lungs, relax our chests, and breathe easier. Laughter causes our bodies to release neurochemical compounds associated with an improved mood. When we can laugh at something, we change our perspective and our attitude.
So, how often do you smile? Research has found that four-year-old children smile and laugh about 400 times a day while for adults smiles and laughter decrease to only 14 times a day. Four-year-olds are often joyous, and adults are not.
Just think what might happen if you were to smile even half as many times as a four-year-old. The results might surprise you, and your coworkers. Sometimes the best way to affect change is with something simple, accessible, and easy to do. A smile meets all these criteria, and few people will be offended as you walk down the hall at work.
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