The first Friday of October, in this case October 4, is World Smile Day, a day where we can help others smile by spreading random acts of kindness.

Smiles can improve moods, lower blood pressure, relieve stress, create better relationships, decrease pain and increase life expectancy.

In 1963, Harvey Ball created the yellow Smiley Face to spread goodwill and cheer throughout the world. The color yellow is symbolic of cheerfulness and World Smile Day is a perfect day to share that image and make others smile, too.

When you smile endorphins are created by these neurotransmitters that cause feelings of happiness and pleasure. In other words, a smile is actually a way to increase your health, and in today’s virus-infected society, every little bit helps.

There are a lot of events that have occurred during World Smile Day over the years. People get involved with different activities that cause and share smiles and cheerful energy.

World Smile Day is an opportunity to brighten the world through the simple power of a smile. Make it a conscious effort and, if you see someone that day who doesn’t have a smile, give them one of yours.