Tag Archives: mirror neurons

Facial expressions: Feel the burn

Smile
Photo by Zitona

We’ve all received the emails, posts and tweets from well-meaning friends: “It takes fewer muscles to smile than to frown. Why tire yourself?” But is it true? Has anyone actually tallied up the facial forces involved?  If so, did they account for the full range of smiles we express when amused, contented, excited, proud, satisfied or relieved? And is it true that the very act of smiling can make us happy?

Does it Take More Muscles to Frown than Smile?