Research shows that smiling has many positive effects on our health. This might explain why the people in the studies with bigger smiles had longer lives. \_40\_ It also lowers blood pressure. Smiling can affect the brain in the same way as exercise. For example, it increases the amount of feel-good hormones such as serotonin and endorphins. \_41\_ Furthermore, recent brain research shows that just the act of smiling can actually make us happier. \_42\_ But then, our smiles send a message back to the brain that makes us feel even happier. Smiling is clearly good for us. \_43\_ It is easy to see that smiling is much more than just an expression of happiness. It's a powerful tool for maintaining both emotional and physical health.