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Photo of a person smiling with the words World Smile Day

World Smile Day

Person with a pen in their hand and a drawing of a smiley face emoji on the desk


Harvey Ball, a freelance artist, was hired by an insurance agency in 1963 to create a smiley face for their friendship campaign. Many years later, in 1999, the first Friday of every October was coined “World Smile Day.” The goal of this day is to “do an act of kindness—help one person smile.” On this day there are many ways to practice acts of kindness. Let’s celebrate!



Smile

Seemingly small gestures have the potential to lift your mood. Try:

Photo of two people looking at each other, smiling and riding bikes


  • Giving a co-worker a smiley card
  • Smiling at strangers, colleagues who pass by your desk, or even dogs in the street!
  • Remembering that a warm smile doesn’t cost a thing!





Practice Acts of Kindness

Shower someone with kindness today by:

Photo of two people smiling while packing donation boxes


  • Holding the door open for people behind you
  • Giving your seat to someone in need on public transportation
  • Allowing someone to go ahead of you in line
  • Saying “Good Morning” to co-workers with a big grin





Contribute to Society

Help others in your community by:

Photo of people smiling while volunteering


  • Volunteering
  • Donating
  • Adopting
  • Tutoring
  • Planting a tree
  • There are endless ways to contribute to society. Whaever you chooe -- do it with a smile!





Other Ways to Celebrate

Shower someone with kindness today by:

Photo of people smiling and eating popcorn while watching a movie


  • Wearing Yellow
  • Drawing a smiley face on your cup of coffee, tea, etc.
  • Watching a comedy movie
  • Attending a stand-up comedy show
  • Telling a joke or use this one: “What did a Smiley face say to another? Smile more!”
  • Posting a smiling photo & tagging @WorkWell NYC on Instagram