Listening to Botox

It’s the last week of National Self-Awareness month.  And I’m just as self-aware as the next person about why I love neuromodulators.  They absolutely rock.  Neuromodulators are the  go-to tool in the ‘look ten years younger in ten minutes’ arsenal.  But believe it or not, they do more than help you look like a hottie. They help you feel amazing, too.  And not just because of the appearance/self-esteem bio-feedback loop–although that’s pretty important as well.  Neuromodulators physically alleviate clinical depression.  How’s that for a side effect?

Recent clinical studies have shown that even a single treatment of the glabellar region with botulinum toxin can accomplish a strong and sustained alleviation of depression in patients, who did not improve sufficiently on previous and other types of medication[1].  This supports  the concept that facial muscles not only express, but also regulate, mood states.  So if you smile, neurologically speaking, you will feel happier.  And conversely, the physical act of frowning will trigger the blues.   Kinda great, isn’t it?

Since I’m a relatively self-aware and modern woman, this got me to thinking.  We can all do a  lot more to control our own destinies.  And not just by getting Botox injections (although if you decide to do so, I know a GREAT practice with convenient locations in both Beverly Hills and Santa Monica!).  How much emotional capital do we all waste in ineffectual angst?  Energy spent being angry about that horn-blowing, Escalade-wielding soccer mom who cut you off is WASTED EXISTENCE.  Feeling down about a wonky blind date or a rude salesclerk again adds up to lost moments of your lifestream.  Life has enough real problems. Why sweat the small stuff?

To learn more about neuromodulators such as Dysport, visit WebMD.com.

Especially since we can help it?

Next time life gives you lemons, try smiling.  Literally.  Chances are, you will actually feel like making lemonade.

(And a few units of Botox won’t hurt, either!)