You know how saying “cheese” when you’re in a photo always makes you feel silly? You probably attribute the funny feeling to the other people in the photo, the one behind the camera, or the situation you’re in. However, you probably had no idea that it was actually the facial expression you made for the “ee” in “cheese” which affected your mood.
According to a personal growth site called Ilchi.com, studies have shown that facial actions, such as the mimicked smile created when saying “cheese”, have a direct effect on your brain. That is, you look like you’re smiling, and your brain accepts that you’re smiling, and sends out happy feelings in response.
So when you’re feeling low, bring your mood back up by pasting a smile on your face. Even though you may not feel like it at first, that fake smile will gradually become real … trust me, I’ve done it! In addition, doing it in the mirror helps you associate a positive feeling with your reflection and improves your self image.
Another tip is to look in a mirror and repeat the following letters: I, Y, Q, Y, Q, R. Seriously, do it. Just say them out loud … you won’t understand until you do. Have you said them? Why not? Repeat after me: I, Y, Q, Y, Q, R.
Bet you’re smiling now. Because you just realized that you’re telling yourself, “I like you like you are,” even if you do sound like a two-year-old. 
