It may last just a second, but its memory can last a lifetime. It costs nothing to give, yet its value is immeasurable. Everyone can offer one—no matter how little they have—and no one is too well-off not to need one. What am I talking about? A simple, heartfelt smile.

At its core, a smile is a small muscular movement, the eyes light up, and the corners of the mouth turn upward. It is a natural expression of contentment. Some smiles are called reflex smiles. They are involuntary and often show up during sleep, tied to inner sensations and brain activity in infants. And interestingly, even as adults, we sometimes experience these reflexive smiles—after a satisfying meal, or while listening to music we love. I keep a hula hoop by my desk on campus, not to use but as a mood lifter. More often than not, anyone passing by will either ask about it or just smile as it probably reminds them of happy memories as a kid. I bet you are smiling now just thinking about a hula hoop! That is a reflexive smile.

At around six weeks of age, babies begin to smile in response to faces or voices. This is the beginning of what is known as the social smile, a conscious, intentional gesture. And whether you are an infant or an adult, that kind of smile can brighten your mood. Research even suggests that smiling can benefit your health. According to speech therapists Mirtha Manno and Rubén Delauro, founders of the "Smiling and Health" self-help clinic, smiling triggers electrical signals to the pituitary gland. This prompts the release of endorphins—feel-good chemicals in the brain that naturally boost our mood, reduce stress, and foster emotional well-being. Even a fake smile can trick your brain into feeling happier. That is how wired we are for positivity through expression.

But the benefits of smiling are not just internal—it has a ripple effect on those around us. A genuine smile can say what words sometimes cannot. Whether it is a sign of welcome, comfort, or encouragement, a smile helps us connect and enriches human interactions. I live in a very urban, walkable area and often tourists will stop and ask me for directions. I can only assume that my warm smile made them feel comfortable approaching me.

Sometimes, just glancing at a child’s smile in a photo can be enough to lift our spirits. It is a universal sign of friendliness, warmth, and trust. No translation needed. It is contagious, people tend to mirror the facial expressions of those around them, so your smile can literally shift a whole room's energy. Receiving a warm smile can make us feel at ease, especially when facing stress or setbacks. A simple smile can be an act of kindness.

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced widespread mask usage, profoundly impacting social interactions. Masks obscure facial expressions, limiting our ability to communicate and connect. Studies suggest that smiling changes our perception of the world and our responses to others, reinforcing the importance of visible expressions. While potentially slowing virus transmission, masking has also been an unintentional experiment in suppressing one of humanity’s most basic social tools, smiling.

When the corporate world started returning to the office on the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic, I had several leaders say that they were excited to finally meet me in person as I was always smiling and full of energy on our Zoom calls. They were surprised that I was the same in person. I am always smiling. That does not mean life is perfect. However, smiling helps me reframe negative experiences. It does not mean I am ignoring the bad—it means I am taking control of how I move through it. I can be like the steam kettle. Though up to its neck in hot water, it continues to sing.

Smiles remain one of the most potent tools for connection and well-being. Whether visible or not, they enrich our lives, improve our health, and foster human connection. A smile is a small gesture with big meaning—for both the one who gives it and the one who receives it. So why not make the effort to share this powerful gift today? A smile can change someone’s day—and it just might change yours, too.

Take care of yourself and each other!

Smiling

Leadership

Words