Smiling Can Help Manage Pain
Picture this: You’re in an Ashram in Rishikesh, India. You ended up there because you got injured on a backpacking trip in the Himalayas. NBD. And now, here you are… hoping to do some yoga to heal your broken body and disheartened soul.
The yogi you meet pegs you right away: “You are hurting,” he says. And then offers you a free foot reflexology session… You are skeptical but you show up at the agreed upon time, and come to learn that this incredible man practices “Karma Yoga” - doing good in the world expecting nothing in return, knowing deeply that the universe always provides.
There is more to that story- but for the sake of the subject of this blog I will stick with what Gaurav taught me during our nightly foot reflexology sessions. Each time he found a location that reaalllly hurt, he would smile, and he would say, “Now you smile, and it takes the pain away.”
So I did.
…And somehow…
It did!
Now, before you roll your eyes, let’s be clear: I’m not saying “Smile and your troubles will be gone!” This is actually about using a simple, science-backed tool to make your life a little bit easier when things get tough. Smiling is for you—a way to tap into your body’s natural ability to cope with pain, stress, and all the little bumps in the road. So, smile for yourself, because it’s a small way to make a big difference in how you feel.
It turns out, there’s lots science behind Gaurav’s idea that smiling will help you feel less pain. Sounds wild, right?
Let’s break it down.
The Weird but Wonderful Power of a Smile
We all know that smiling when you’re happy is as natural as breathing. But what if you’re definitely not happy? Like, say, when you’ve just stepped on a lego barefoot (the ultimate test of human endurance)? Or your one kids just wacked your other kid… Here’s where the Facial Feedback Hypothesis swoops in to save the day. This fancy term basically means that smiling can trick your brain into thinking you’re feeling pretty good—even when you’re actually in agony.
In a study at the University of Kansas, researchers asked people to hold a smile while dunking their hands in ice-cold water. (Sounds like a blast, right? I can’t STAND this type of test… it hurts!) Surprisingly, those who smiled reported feeling less pain and even had lower heart rates compared to the poor souls who kept a neutral face. It’s like your brain gets a little confused and thinks, “Hey, if we’re smiling, things can’t be that bad, right?”
Smiling: The Body’s Secret Weapon
But wait, there’s more! Smiling doesn’t just fool your brain; it also gives your body a nice little boost. When you smile, your brain releases endorphins—the feel-good chemicals that are basically nature’s version of painkillers. These endorphins can help reduce the sensation of pain and might even make you feel like you’re on top of the world! Okay, maybe not that extreme, but it’s still pretty cool.
You know how people talk about getting a “runner’s high” after a good workout? That’s those same endorphins kicking in. So while smiling through pain might not get you floating on air, it can give you a mini version of that high—enough to make those stubbed toes and tension headaches a little more bearable.
Smiling: It’s Not Just for You!
And here’s a bonus: Smiling isn’t just good for you—it’s contagious! When you flash a smile, people around you are more likely to smile back. It’s like spreading a little joy (and who couldn’t use more of that?). Plus, smiles are a universal signal for “I got this,” even if you’re faking it a bit. So whether you’re giving birth, getting through a tough workout, or just dealing with life’s little pains, a smile can be your secret weapon.
For example, during birth (you knew I was going there), some women find that smiling helps them manage contractions better. And if you’re a partner or support person, giving a warm, encouraging smile can be just the thing to help someone else feel stronger and more supported. You’re basically a pain-fighting superhero—no cape required.
So, How Do You Smile Through the Pain?
Here are some tips to keep in your back pocket (you know, for the next time you step on a lego):
Everyday Ouchies: Stub your toe? Step on a sharp object? Before you curse the heavens, try flashing a smile. It might not make the pain disappear, but it could take the edge off.
During Tough Tasks: Whether you’re lifting weights or going through a less-than-pleasant medical procedure, keep that smile going. Your body will thank you with a little less stress and a little more endurance. (Can confirm from personal experience)
Spread the Smiles: If you see someone else in pain, give them a smile. You’ll be sending out good vibes that can help them feel supported—and they might just smile back!
Pregnant? Consider This: During contractions, allow your face to feel neutral and at the PEAK of your contraction, smile… smile all the way down and then give yourself a rest. (Partners, remember this one… but fair warning - telling a laboring woman to smile is brave.)
Smile: The Tiny Trick That Packs a Punch
Okay, so smiling isn’t going to make pain vanish into thin air, but it’s a simple, free, and totally accessible way to make life’s little (or not so little) pains a bit easier to handle. Next time you’re in pain, whether it’s physical or emotional, try cracking a smile. Sometimes when you really don’t want to smile… but you force yourself to… your body just laughs, and then you do smile. Give it a go- Your brain might just be tricked into thinking, “Hey, maybe this isn’t so bad after all.”
