Ron Gutman reviews a raft of studies about smiling, and reveals some surprising results. Did you know your smile can be a predictor of how long you’ll live — and that a simple smile has a measurable effect on your overall well-being? Prepare to flex a few facial muscles as you learn more about this evolutionarily contagious behavior.

That a smile affects and “tricks” the body into producing feeling-good hormones was something I already was aware of (apart from having fun usually makes someone feel good). But all the other fun and interesting facts was a surprise. If nothing else some nice trivia to remind one that not to take life too serious and try to have fun while at it.

First day of vacation. The mind is already starting to settle in. Some close friends I so much longed for. A beautiful nature surrounding the cozy house on the countryside. Almost dead silence apart from some birds singing in the night. And an open-air jacuzzi at 40 degrees Celsius accompanying a dark blue and purple sky decorated with a handful of stars.

Sometimes I don’t have to remind myself to smile. :)