The Power of Smiling in Difficult Times

Smiling is more than just moving your facial muscles. Smiling elevates our mood, decreases stress, anxiety and depression. Smiling can also increase our immune response.

It is easy and natural to smile when things are going well, when you are happy or when you feel pleasant. It may be challenging to smile when you are going through a tough time. That is when smiling is even more powerful.

As an oncologist, I go through good times and bad times with patients. There are patients who are responding well to treatment. There are patients who have disease progression no matter what treatment they are offered. I especially admire the patients who are always smiling, even when things are not going well.

Choosing to smile is an intentional effort in difficult times. I am not talking about the kind of smile that is meant to show frustration or contempt. It is the kind of smiling that forms a bridge from the feeling of anger, frustration, helplessness or other unpleasant emotions to a sense of hope, gratitude and peace.

When you are smiling in difficult situations, it allows you to focus on a more neutral ground. Instead of putting all your attention to what is not working or what is going against your plan, smiling allows you to also see what is working. It allows you to see what you can be grateful for. It allows you to take a step back and to look at the big picture.

When you are going through a rough day at work, such as having the internet down, half of your patients have more complaints than expected, having an emergency in the office – all in the same day. Choosing to smile helps you reduce your stress level. It helps you think and believe that although unexpected and crazy things happened, you will manage to get through the day. You are not letting your circumstances dictate how you feel or act. You choose to smile to make things more light-hearted while you take them seriously.

Smiling helps you focus on what you can control and what really matters. It is easier to accept the reality of things and less likely for you to argue with what you cannot control. Smiling redirects your mind to come up with more positive thoughts.

Smiling is contagious. When you smile at someone, that person will also want to reciprocate with a smile. As a physician walking into an exam room which is filled with an anxious patient and his family, smiling can decrease the tension in the room. Even though they may still be thinking about how serious the diagnosis is, smiling allows them to be more open to accept what you have to say. In other words, smiling sets you up to have a smoother transition to discussing serious diagnosis and treatment plans. It also allows the patient to be more ready to accept the bad news you will deliver.

When you are having a difficult day at work, choosing to smile means that you made the decision to make it lighter. It is what it is and you accept it. You are ready to do something about it. You are ready to move on.

Smiling keeps your mood lighter and more pleasant. Choosing to smile in difficult times allows you to accept what is or has happened while appreciating other things and having gratitude. It helps you get through the day. Smiling is contagious. It is a way to establish a better connection with others.