Have you noticed that it’s harder to see a smile when wearing a mask? Half the face is covered, leaving only the eyes to detect facial expression.

When we pass people walking in the streets or parks, we keep our distance – which, on the one hand, makes us feel safer, but, on the other, also distances us emotionally. Whenever I walk, I notice that most people walk while looking at the ground… as if looking at each other were going to be a contaminant!

If science is studying the impact of masks to reduce the spread of COVID, it is also studying the impact of smiling on humans. Mask and smile… How to reconcile the two?

Sharing a smile creates a bond. It sends a signal of comfort and human warmth – something we sorely need right now. Mask or no mask!

Smiling at another person activates physiological changes by triggering neurotransmitters associated with well-being. These include oxytocin – the love hormone, which circulates when we feel a shared connection – endorphins, which promote a sense of ease and calm, and even serotonin – all those wonderful hormones that are also natural antidepressants, which activate when we feel good about ourselves, laugh or think about some of the good moments in our day.

Right now, this visual cue is even more important than ever, as many of us are not doing well. Autumn is here, the days are shorter and we’re preparing – in Quebec at least – to “go into our caves” for winter. Many of us suffer from seasonal depression and look forward to November with apprehension.

When we feel socially isolated or deprived of human contact, smiling becomes an essential link with normal life. Without our usual means of social interaction, of which smiling is an important part, we unconsciously run the risk of rewiring our brains to fear and anxiety. This is particularly worrying in children, given the elasticity of their brains and the rapid formation of their neurons.

Research has already established a link between the negative impact of not sharing a smile and so-called “subjective happiness” – including in people who use Botox, as it restricts facial movement, suppresses laughter or smile lines. Interesting, isn’t it?

So how can we make sure we still get our daily dose of happiness and connection while wearing a mask? How can we, for the sake of children and young people, find ways to express our smiles?

Even if our mouths are hidden, we can still share a certain intimacy with each other.

We have to smile more widely – so much so that our eyes light up.

A sincere smile triggers a whole series of changes in our brain and autonomic nervous system. We’re more relaxed and therefore less anxious.

To your smile, you could also add a friendly gesture. Wave, wink or raise your eyebrows in a friendly way. Find other creative ways to express your smile; make a mask with a hand-painted smile or a decal like the one my cousin Joëlle my cousin Joëlle (By the way, I invite you to listen to the episode of L’Élément JOIE where she is my guest. You’ll hear the smile in her voice). Wear a mask with a transparent part. Smile broadly!

And “watch” people. Be even more kind to each other. When we’re masked, our ability to sense whether someone is doing well can also be masked.

Can’t we see your face? Take the opportunity to smile ALL THE TIME! You won’t look weird in a crowd because… you’re wearing a mask over your smile! Make your eyes smile! And let me know if you feel the difference the next time you’re out in the fresh air or in a public place, proudly wearing your smile under your mask!

It’s a fact!

Laughter, joy and health

Linda