The 90-Second Secret to Happiness
Want to trick your brain into feeling happier? Try this simple 90-second technique. French anatomist Duchenne de Boulogne discovered that when we smile with our eyes, it sends signals to our brain that we’re happy. By faking a smile, you can actually stimulate happiness and improve your mood.
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Unlocking the Power of Duchenne’s Smile
Can You Fake a Genuine Smile? (And Can It Actually Make You Happier?)
You’ve probably heard the old saying “fake it till you make it.” But can you really fake a genuine smile? And if so, can it actually make you happier? The answer might surprise you.
In 1862, Duchenne de Boulogne discovered that genuine happiness is characterized by a distinct facial expression, which he termed “Duchenne’s smile.” This smile engages two specific facial muscles: the zygomatic major (cheek muscles) and the orbicularis oculi (muscles behind the eyes). When these muscles contract, they create a universal sign of happiness that transcends cultures and languages.
But here’s the fascinating part: Duchenne’s smile is not just a reflection of happiness; it can also be used to stimulate happiness. By artificially inducing a Duchenne smile, you can trick your brain into feeling happier. This technique is based on the concept of “facial feedback,” where the brain receives signals from the facial muscles and interprets them as emotions.
So, how can you try this technique for yourself? It’s simple:
Practicing the Duchenne Smile
- Use a mirror.
- Think of something that genuinely makes you happy. Reflect on a joyful memory, a funny joke, or a heartwarming experience.
- As you think happy thoughts, try to smile by lifting the corner of your lips while also raising your cheeks and eyes.
- Pay attention to the sensations in your face. You might notice that:
- Your laugh lines appear at the outer corner of your eyes
- The skin below your eyes bulges
- Your eyebrows move down very slightly
- Hold the smile for at least 10-15 seconds, feeling the muscles in your face engage.
- Repeat this process several times, taking breaks in between to relax your facial muscles.
Alternatively, you can also try the “pencil trick” :
- Find a pencil or pair of chopsticks.
- Place it between your teeth, making sure not to touch your lips.
- Hold the pencil or chopsticks in place for at least 45-90 seconds.
- As you do this, focus on relaxing your facial muscles and letting your smile spread naturally.
What happens next is remarkable. As your orbicularis oculi and zygomatic major muscles contract, they send signals to your brain, which responds by releasing stress and slowing down your heart rate. The result? You’ll start to feel happier, more relaxed, and more at ease.
So, the next time you’re feeling stressed or down, remember the 90-second secret to happiness. Try the smile technique and discover the transformative power of a genuine smile.
Anamika Chakravorty, Staff Reporter
