Turn that frown upside down. Because science.
Because smiling will actually help you deal with stressful things better.
Research from the University of Kansas showed that "grin and bear it" can be an OK plan of attack when you are dealing with something annoying. People who smiled when they dunked their hands in ice water had lower heart rates during the recovery period than people who did not smile.
Katherine / Creative Commons / Via Flickr: tintedglass
Because kids who smile more in their childhood photos have stronger marriages down the line.
According to this study from DePauw University. Obvious disclaimer: This is a correlation, not a causation, which means that the act of smiling itself isn't going to make you a better partner or have a happier marriage. That being said, the things in your life that may cause you to smile as a kid (strong relationships, stable home environment, good health, a general positive outlook) may also influence your relationship stability and success down the line.
Warner Bros. Pictures / Via giphy.com
Because people who smile more may actually live longer.
Research published in the journal Psychological Science showed that Major League Baseball players who smiled widely in their professional photos actually ended up living longer than the less smiley players. Another correlation v. causation situation here, but interesting nonetheless!
Jan Messersmith / Creative Commons / Via Flickr: boogieswithfish
