BY SANDY LEONG : Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Smiling is good for you. And it didn’t take a doctor, psychologist or neuroscientist to tell me that. There is actually scientific proof that flashing your pearly whites improves your health, self-confidence and well-being. The act of smiling releases endorphins, which are associated with falling in love and are key to long-term relationships. I heard Ron Gutman, the founder of HealthTap, say that smiling sets off a chemical reaction in your body similar to 20 chocolate candy bars!
You know what makes me smile? Shopping. Guilty as charged. My pulse races and the corners of my mouth start an instantaneous upturn whenever I walk into a mall, a grocery or book store, even a magazine shop at the airport. I can’t help myself. Now that I know smiling – and therefore shopping – is good for me, well, just think of the possibilities.
Admittedly, that euphoric feeling I get from shopping is sometimes short-lived. One purchase that never seems to lose its afterglow is a new piece of jewelry. A substantial piece. Something that I honestly wear all the time. It’s the piece on top of the jewelry box or nightstand or ring holder that you reach for first thing in the morning. The one piece whose absence makes you feel a little naked.
For me, that piece is a watch. It’s my husband’s old watch, which he never wore because he swore it never kept the right time. I had it refurbished (twice), took out a few links and wear it every day. And even if it isn’t working properly, I like that it’s just a little quirky like that.
I also can’t live without the Teardrop earrings in my Origin collection. They are light and easy to wear, and seem to go with whatever I’m wearing. I really can’t help smiling when I put them on. They don’t make you feel the slightest bit guilty — and have way fewer calories than even one chocolate bar.
So smile away. It’s good for you!
Marisa Tomei wearing Sandy Leong Origin Teardrop Earrings
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