Thought of You, Smiled Away

When you think about that special someone and a smile creeps up to your face without any reason, don’t worry! You’re not going crazy! This phenomenon is called “thought of you, smiled away,” and it has been studied by scientists all around the world. In this article, we’ll be dissecting this heartwarming topic into different sections so you can understand more about what happens behind the scenes when we experience such emotions.

When Our Mind Plays Its Tricks

Have you ever had a moment where your mind goes completely blank? Suddenly everything seems to fade away as if nothing else mattered in the world anymore- until an image popped up in your mind’s eye. That’s when it all magically comes back together again with ease!

While our brain is an incredibly complex organ capable of handling unimaginable tasks, sometimes its tricks can surprise us – especially those darn memories popping up at unexpected times.

According to psychologists, humans have two thought processes; conscious and unconscious thinking methods. Conscious thinking involves rationality while unconscious thinking relies more on emotions/intuition than logic or reasoning- which explains why memories could come flooding back upon just seeing certain cues (‘Proustian memory’). And with people who play significant roles in our lives – friends or romantic partners etc., such cues often trigger positive/romantic feelings leading us to involuntarily flash contagious grins across our faces before suppression takes place (Suppression Paradox).

Realizing Those Feelings Versus Ignoring Them: Which Benefits More?

In some cases though (hold tight please procrastinators)… instead of ‘suppressing’, acknowledging these warm fuzzy feel good vibes may actually bring multiple benefits for one’s overall wellbeing (link between happiness & physical wellness psychoneuroimmunology) besides helping nurture relationships.The release of natural feel-good chemicals (Dopamine (J&The Bigger JB), Oxytocin, and Endorphins) could contribute to everything from improved overall mood to fighting against physical pain. On top of all that, it can even help us feel more relaxed- ultimately lowering stress.

However, much like most things in life, moderation is key! Prolonging such emotions may lead to emotional fixation or obsession sabotaging one’s daily routine and/or personal relations (limerence disorder). So it’s important that you don’t get carried away by the thought of someone so much that you forget other aspects of your life too!

The Science Behind Those Cheeks Pulling Up

But what goes on inside our heads when we experience these moments? To answer that question without including any technical jargon: Our brain has specialized neurons called “mirror neurons” which are responsible for understanding others’ behavioral cues & imitating them unconsciously as some argue evolutionary social-based adaptation mechanism. As a result, the emotion associated with another person- getting ‘infected’ into ourselves explains why they call them “contagious” feelings (yawns after seeing somebody doing it anyone?). When we think about someone we love or cherish – this same Neuron Mimicry System gets activated unknowingly subconsciously making us smile along with them involuntarily (automatic facial mimicry effect).

Of course this may not hold up scientifically, but my dentist suggests smiling all day would hurt cheeks way before teeth so perhaps worth considering?

Nevertheless:

Analysis Explanation
What Causes Smiles Through Thoughts? Mirror Neurons activate automatically resulting in mimicking behaviors

Wrapping It Up!

All in all, while “thought of you smiled away” might happen unexpectedly at times… it’s always been fascinating how something intangible like just mere thoughts can translate into undeniable physical cues within our body. And since scientific research has shown the positive benefits of indulging in these warm fuzzy feelings, why not let yourself indulge a little bit too? So next time you suddenly flash an inexplicable grin across your face while at work or outside (workplace harassment..be cautious) or anywhere really- just go with it! Smile more, and give yourself that feel-good break even if only for a moment.

Now…excuse me as I’m awfully thirsty after typing all of this: Ready to quench my thirst with some iced blue herbal tea (it’s BOMB folks). But till then.. Keep those cheeks up: To infinity and beyond!!

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