For a lot of the workforce, the best part of their day is the moment they clock out of work. Heck, if it’s a Friday, that might even be the best part of your week! But there are little things that get us through those difficult work days, and oftentimes, it has nothing to do with our timesheets. 

When a stranger compliments you or when you realize you’re scheduled with your favorite coworker or when your boss shows up with coffees for everyone, suddenly, the good vibes are flowing, and the day is drastically improved. Although it may not seem like much in the grand scheme, a smile can go a long way in improving your mood, even if you fake it. 

When I was a kid, if I was upset about something, my mom would trick me into a better mood by telling me to smile the most grimaced smile imaginable. «Show me your teeth!,» she’d say in a joking tone. And despite myself, through the ugliest scowling smile I could create, I felt it becoming genuine. Hilariously, my fake smile would, with a 100% success rate, trick me into smiling for real and laughing away the bad mood. 

So if you’re feeling down about your job, your life, your relationships, or even something stupid like your favorite football team losing the Superbowl, grimace your way into a smile and joke about the lighter things. Eventually, your mood will miraculously change and you’ll feel bright again.