Fake It Till You Make It: The Power of a Smile

From the classic tune, “When You're Smiling, The Whole World Smiles with You,” to Katy Perry’s upbeat anthem “Smile,” we’ve long been told about the transformative power of a smile. We’ve heard that it can lift our mood, change our outlook, and make us feel better—but is there really any truth to this?

According to research from the University of South Australia, there is! The study confirms that when your facial muscles mimic the action of a smile, it can actually shift your perception of the world, making you feel more positive. In other words, the simple act of smiling can trick your brain into a better mood, just by engaging those facial muscles.

Published in Experimental Psychology, the research evaluated how a smile influences how we perceive facial and body expressions. Participants in the study were asked to hold a pen between their teeth, forcing their muscles into a smiling position. The findings? Smiling not only alters the way we recognise facial expressions but also body language—both of which trigger more positive emotions.

Lead researcher, Dr. Fernando Marmolejo-Ramos, an expert in human and artificial cognition, explained, “When your muscles say you’re happy, you’re more likely to see the world around you in a positive way.” He went on to note that this action stimulates the amygdala—the emotional center of the brain—releasing neurotransmitters that encourage a happier state of mind.

This discovery has exciting implications for mental health. If we can “trick” the brain into perceiving the world as more positive, then this simple mechanism could help boost our emotional well-being.

At The Smile Company, we believe wholeheartedly in practicing the smile attitude. Of course, life throws challenges our way, and there are times when we feel sad, frustrated, or angry. It’s important to acknowledge those emotions and work through them. But in our day-to-day lives, when we wake up feeling flat or struggle to find the motivation to face the day, the smile attitude can help. It reminds us that two things are always within our control—our attitude and our effort.

If you want to learn more about the power of the smile and how it can transform your outlook, we invite you to join us at one of our Smile Workshops. It’s an experience that can boost both your personal and professional life.

Interested in unlocking the power of a smile? Contact us at to learn more about our Smile Workshops and how they can help you harness the smile attitude.