NATIONAL DAYHEALTH & WELLNESS

National Smile Day

National Smile Day is a small but real reason to pause, notice, and celebrate — together if we can.

MAY31

Monday, May 31Every year on May 31

days to go

Roots: Founded in 2019 by Dr. Tim Stirneman and Jim Wojdyla
Vibe: Joyful and uplifting atmosphere.
Also on May 31: World Parrot Day · Autonomous Vehicle Day · Macaroon Day
Hashtag: #NationalSmileDay

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Ways to celebrate

Small, doable ways to celebrate National Smile Day.

Do one small thing that makes the day feel marked.
Tell someone what you're celebrating and why.
Share a post, a photo, or a memory connected to it.
Make a tiny tradition — something you could do again next year.
Let it be simple. Not every celebration has to be a production.

Make it your kind of celebration

Family
Do one small thing together that everyone will remember.
Kids
Turn it into a craft, a story, or a snack — meet them where they are.
Couples
Use the day as an excuse for a little intentional time together.
Office
Acknowledge the day in the team chat or at a stand-up. Small, sincere, fast.
School
Anchor a short lesson or activity around the day.
Community
Share, volunteer, or donate to make the day mean something locally.
Just me
Celebrate quietly and completely. One person can still mark a day.

Fast facts

The story

National Smile Day, observed on May 31, invites everyone to reflect on the power of a smile. The day was founded in 2019 by Dr. Tim Stirneman, a dentist, and his business partner Jim Wojdyla to celebrate smiles and the confidence a healthy smile brings. This initiative has grown into a celebration recognized across the United States and beyond, encouraging people to embrace the positive effects of smiles on mental health and relationships.

Read the full story

A smile can do more than just brighten someone’s day; it can also have a profound impact on your own well-being. Research suggests that smiling can reduce stress, improve mood, and even enhance the immune system. On National Smile Day, communities come together to celebrate this universal gesture, reminding us that a smile can foster connections and create happiness in our daily lives.

Celebrations often include events such as community smile walks, where participants wear T-shirts emblazoned with smiley faces, and share smiles with passersby. Schools may host activities that encourage students to compliment each other, while social media platforms buzz with photos of people proudly displaying their smiles. These communal activities not only spread joy but also reinforce the importance of kindness and positivity.

As we celebrate National Smile Day, it is essential to remember the broader context of smiles in our global society. In many cultures, a smile represents warmth, hospitality, and openness. By sharing smiles, we can break down barriers and build bridges between diverse communities, fostering understanding and acceptance in an increasingly complex world.