This one is pretty straight forward and comes during a time of year in which smiling at work is most important, yet most easily forgotten – Q4!
For many of our retail clients, 40%+ of their revenue is made in Q4. More than likely, a smile and a handshake will take place in virtually every transaction that will make up that 40%+. For us at Bottom Line, Q4 represents the time period in which we need to be there for our clients the most. What we often forget, however, is that you can’t be there for someone else if you’re not there for yourself first and foremost.
When it comes to the workplace, taking care of your happiness is most important during Q4… otherwise, it’ll prove to be a tough challenge trying to make your clients happy as well.
With that said, the quickest way to hack a little happiness in your life is as simple as just smiling! Most people think of smiling as the result of feeling happy, however sometimes smiling actually serves the role of a catalyst towards kickstarting your happiness!
There are many scientific benefits to smiling and how it directly correlates to your happiness. Here are just a few, in no particular order:
Endorphin Release
Facial-Feedback Hypothesis states that our facial expressions communicate how we feel in two different directions – towards others, and towards ourselves. When you smile, you make a certain expression that activates specific muscles in your face. This action tells our brain we are “smiling”, which subsequently releases endorphins.
Stress & Anxiety Relief
Anxiety comes at the worst times and is almost always a close companion to stress. Anyone that’s lived through Q4 in the retail and/or advertising space knows a thing or two about that! Smiling has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety levels by triggering happy thoughts and re-routing negative emotions.
Stronger relationships
There are several studies that link frequent smiling to better relationships, increased likeability and a higher chance of accomplishing goals, both in and out of the workplace. A team is only as strong as its weakest link, and if smiling has any direct correlation to strengthening bonds/relationships in the workplace, this is a sure-fire starting point to improving the overall strength of your team!