Most of us think of emotional expression as something rooted in psychology—our thoughts, our feelings, our personality. But emerging research continues to remind us that the body and mind are tightly intertwined. A new study, published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, offers compelling evidence that elevated blood pressure may actually mute our ability to express certain…
Read MoreWhy Experiences Boost Happiness and Connection
We often hear that “money can’t buy happiness.” Yet a growing body of research suggests something more nuanced: how we spend our money matters. According to new findings highlighted in Scientific American, spending on experiences—such as concerts, trips, meals, or classes—creates deeper feelings of connection, belonging, and well-being than spending on material goods. This research…
Read MoreAutism and Facial Micromovements Explained
Autism and Facial Expressions: What We Often Miss Facial expressions are the universal language of emotion. But for many autistic individuals, their emotional signals can be so subtle they go unnoticed. A recent study from Rutgers University shows that tiny facial micromovements—invisible to the naked eye—carry rich emotional meaning. This discovery reshapes how we understand…
Read MoreSmiling Boosts Mood- Even When it’s Forced
A recent study from the University of Essex entitled, “Smiling and Frowning Induced by Facial Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (fNMES) Modulate Felt Emotion and Physiology” explored whether electrically induced smiling could influence emotions. Participants had electrodes placed over their zygomaticus major muscles—those that lift the corners of the mouth. A gentle electrical current forced a…
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