Studies have found that acts of kindness are linked to increased feelings of wellbeing. Helping others can also improve our support networks and encourage us to be more active. This, in turn, can improve our self-esteem.
Be the change that you wish to see in the world.
“It’s kind of like weight training, we found that people can actually build up their compassion ‘muscle’ and respond to others’ suffering with care and a desire to help.” Dr. Ritchie Davidson, University of Wisconsin.
You can’t win a person over with hatred or indifference
“Kindness makes a person attractive. If you could win the world, melt it , do not hammer it.” Alexander McClaren
HERE IS A LIST ON THE POSITIVE EFFECTS OF KINDNESS ON OUR MENTAL HEALTH
- Pain – kindness releases endorphins in the brain. It’s a natural painkiller.
- Stress – kind people age slower and have lower stress than the average person.
- Anxiety & Depression – kindness improves mood, depression and anxiety. Kindness stimulates the production of serotonin which heals wounds, calms and increases happiness.
- Blood Pressure – kindness helps release oxytocin, a ‘cardio protective’ hormone that releases another chemical called ‘nitric oxide in the body that dilates blood vessel, thus reducing blood pressure.
- Pleasure – elevated levels of dopamine in the brain causes pleasure/reward centres to light up. This is known as the ‘helpers high.’
- Self-Worth – kindness can make us not just feel good about ourselves, but begin to believe in ourselves, increasing our self-worth.
- Relationships – kindness helps improve relationships by reducing the distance between individuals.
Kindness is contagious. Once you start doing nice things for others, you might not want to stop