Egao: Smile & Mood Tracker

# Features of Egao
Egao supports you in reaping the scientifically proven benefits of smiling. It automatically tracks your smiles and sends timely reminders to keep you smiling every day.

## Track your Smiles
Egao detects your smiles automatically using smart facial detection, counting and timing them for you seamlessly.

## Set Reminders
Consistency is key. Egao helps you build a daily habit by reminding you to smile whenever you choose.

## Get Statistics
Explore statistics about how often and how long you smile. View your averages and daily records to build momentum over time.

## Own your Data (100% Private)
Your mental health and well-being data belong solely to you. All smile data is stored strictly locally on your device with no cloud server transfer. You can export your raw data anytime as an SQLite database or spreadsheet.

# Benefits of Smiling

## Elevate Mood
We smile when we are happy, but smiling itself can also make us feel happy. Known as the facial feedback effect, research confirms that even intentional smiling activates neural pathways that improve emotional well-being [1, 2].

## Relieve Stress
Taking a brief break to smile helps decrease stress responses and lower cortisol levels [3], benefiting both you and those around you.

## Boost Immune System & Reduce Pain
Smiling stimulates neurotransmitter release to relax the body and strengthen immune health [4]. It also triggers endorphins—our body’s natural painkillers [5].

# Disclaimer
Although smiling has many scientifically proven benefits for mental and physical health, Egao does not replace regular treatment by a specialized health professional in the case of illness.

# References
[1] Coles, N.A., Larsen, J.T., & Lench, H.C. (2019). A meta-analysis of the facial feedback literature: Effects of facial feedback on emotional experience are small and variable. Psychological Bulletin, 145(6), 610–651.
[2] Marmolejo-Ramos, F., et al. (2020). Your face and moves seem happier when I smile. Experimental Psychology, 67(1), 14–22.
[3] Kraft, T.L. & Pressman, S.D. (2012). Grin and bear it: The influence of manipulated facial expression on the stress response. Psychological Science, 23(11), 1372–1378.
[4] D’Acquisto, F., Rattazzi, L., & Piras, G. (2014). Smile - It’s in your blood! Biochemical Pharmacology, 91(3), 287–292.
[5] Pressman, S.D., et al. (2020). Smile (Or grimace) through the pain? Emotion.