“Say cheese!”

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The reason someone says that when they are taking your picture is to get you to smile! 

When we feel happiness, our nervous system sends endorphins – hormones that make us feel good –

to the brain, which then send the smile signal to our facial muscles.

This in turn sends more endorphins back to brain, and the cycle repeats itself…

it’s like a little feel-good party in your brain!

Smiling activates neural messaging that benefits your health and happiness and help to eliminate stress.

There are even social benefits to smiling.

A smiling face is generally considered to be more attractive than a frowning face.

Studies even show that that seeing an attractive smiling face activates the region in your brain that process sensory rewards.

Basically, when you view a person smiling, you actually feel rewarded.

And smiling is contagious (in a good way)!

There is evidence that facial mimicry is a natural response enabling us to empathize with other people.

If you're talking to someone who looks happy, you may find yourself smiling back.