How did National Relaxation Day go last Thursday? I hope you were able to unwind and get some rest. Today, I'm featuring a piece called "Totem Smiles in Lavender." I hope you enjoy it as we make our way to a new week.

Totem, a Border Collie/Akita mix, smiles in a dashing purple bandana in a field of lavender

https://www.chrisboese.photo/warehouse-open-edition-prints/art_print_products/totem-smiles-in-lavender

#lavender #art #photography

**Mark Taylor** @emarktaylor@mastodon.online · Aug 18, 2024

Aug 18, 2024

Mark Taylor @emarktaylor@mastodon.online

Via Punch Cartoons ... and more @PunchBooks
·
9h
By the inimitable John Donegan. “I’m none too proud of that one. He thought I was taking his picture.” From 1986 #portraits #hunters #biggame #trophies #heads #moose #deer #antlers #shooting #game #smiling #plutocrats #guests

Replied in thread

**Susan Larson** @Susan_Larson_TN@mastodon.online · Aug 15, 2024

Aug 15, 2024

Susan Larson @Susan_Larson_TN@mastodon.online

#Minnesota #Governor #TimWalz Believes in the #CommonGood.

Since Walz surged into #competition to be #VicePresident #KamalaHarris’s #runningmate, a certain #photo started appearing everywhere. In it, a #smiling TimWalz is being #hugged by #happy #children.

https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/tim-walz-believes-in-the-common-good.html

**Matt Willemsen** @mattotcha@mastodon.social · Mar 18, 2024

Mar 18, 2024

Matt Willemsen @mattotcha@mastodon.social

According to Scientists, Smiling Is the Secret to Seeing Happiness
https://scitechdaily.com/according-to-scientists-smiling-is-the-secret-to-seeing-happiness/ #psychology #smiling #happiness #treatment #depression #Parkinson’s #autism

SciTechDaily · Mar 18, 2024According to Scientists, Smiling Is the Secret to Seeing HappinessSmiling for just a split second makes people more likely to see happiness in expressionless faces, new University of Essex research has revealed. The study led by Dr Sebastian Korb, from the Department of Psychology, shows that even a brief weak grin makes faces appear more joyful. The pioneering

**Hebrew by Inbal** @hebrewbyinbal@babka.social · Mar 7, 2024

Mar 7, 2024

Hebrew by Inbal @hebrewbyinbal@babka.social

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4NlMU9LIxP/?igsh=bGkwOW1ncnU2bjU2 Smiling is one of the simplest yet most powerful actions we can take to improve our well-being and connect with others, especially during tough times.

It might seem like a small gesture, but the impact can be profound.

Firstly, smiling can genuinely elevate our mood. It might feel counterintuitive to smile when you're not in the best of spirits, but there's a fascinating interplay between our facial expressions and emotions.

Smiling triggers the release of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin in your brain. These chemicals act as natural stress-relievers and can help lift our spirits. It's like having a natural antidote to stress and sadness right at your disposal.
Remember, it's not about ignoring your feelings or the gravity of the situation. It's about giving yourself a moment of reprieve, a spark of hope.

#smile #smiling #hebrew