Indianapolis, April 12, 2011 -- Every year, when April rolls around, many people are left scrambling at the last minute as they work tirelessly to finish their taxes. Making those last minute calculations can often result in stress and anxiety.   
This year, April 18 marks the day commonly known as “tax day,” and while nothing can change the required deadline, a simple act can actually make the day much more enjoyable and healthier for you – and it has nothing to do with filings or a special new tax preparation program.
By simply smiling and having a positive attitude, you can make a huge difference both mentally and physically. Not only can smiling have a positive impact on your environment, but smiling can change your mood, relieve stress, strengthen your immune system, lower your blood pressure and help with the release of natural pain killers into your body. 
"Putting on a smile can actually change your mood and can be contagious to the people around you. If you are having a bad day or you are not feeling so great, try to smile," said Julie Szempruch, a mental health expert and an associate vice president for Midtown Community Mental Health Center, a division of Wishard Health Services. "It can trick your body into feeling better and your mood may change. You will also look like a happier person to others around you, drawing people to you and possibly making them happier." 
According to the International Journal of Psychophysiology, when you see someone smiling your first intuition is that maybe that person is not experiencing a lot of stress. Smiling can help you alleviate some of the anxiety you do have and help you take action against the stressful situations in your life. 
"The next time you feel stressed, try smiling. When you're stressed you carry that feeling in your face, causing you to look tired and rundown," Szempruch said. "So the next time you notice that you’re feeling crummy, take a second and smile," Szempruch said. ”You’ll feel better about yourself, and you’ll notice a change in mood. Increase happiness in both yourself and the people around you by smiling." 
Midtown Community Mental Health Center was established in 1969 as the first mental health center in Indiana.  Midtown’s philosophy of care stresses strength-based, family- and community-centered treatment.  Care decisions are team-based and emphasize family and patient participation.   
For more information about the services offered at Midtown Community Mental Health Center, please call (317) 630-7791.