The Science and Benefits of Kindness

Why is kindness important? By simply being kind to someone, you are increasing your quality of life? Plus, it gets better! You not only increase the quality but also the quantity of your life. There is a lot of science that works behind the scenes for those who are kind and spread kindness. Learn the benefits of showing kindness and how it affects your brain and your body. Being kind to someone else could literally improve your mental health and add to your lifespan. 

The Science Behind Being Kind 

Many people don’t realize what they’re doing when they choose to practice kindness. Not only do they experience an increase in serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin, but the person receiving kindness experiences it as well.

Serotonin

An increase in serotonin helps both the giver and receiver of kindness experience feelings of satisfaction and well-being. It has also been observed in studies that the pleasure/reward centers of your brain light up when practice kindness.

Endorphins

When there is an increase in your endorphin levels, your pain & energy levels are adjusted. When you choose to be kind, your pain levels decrease, and you feel a boost in mood and energy levels. 

Oxytocin

Another hormone released in your body when being kind is Oxytocin. With an increase in your oxytocin levels, your body will experience reduced inflammation and blood pressure. So, if you’re struggling with high blood pressure, by just showing kindness, you could decrease your health risk.

Who knew there was so much science behind being kind? Not only do these positive effects occur for the giver of kindness, but also for the receiver as well. 

What Issues Decrease Through Spreading Kindness? 

So, you’ve got the rundown on what’s increased in your body when you choose to spread kindness. Now it’s time to dive deep into what’s decreased by being kind. Both the giver and receiver will experience a decrease in depression, stress, and anxiety when kindness is shared. 

Depression

When you are showing kindness, you will experience what’s called a “Helper’s High”. In other words, being kind promotes feelings of accomplishment and gratitude and increases other happy brain chemicals. In short, kindness has highly beneficial impacts on a depressed brain. 

Stress

Two direct stress factors are your cortisol levels and blood pressure. People who tend to give more frequently and routinely have experienced decreased cortisol production, lower blood pressure, and lower stress levels. So, by giving more of yourself to others, you will be reducing health risks for both yourself and the receiver. 

Anxiety

When you experience an increase in oxytocin levels and a decrease in cortisol levels, you will also experience a decrease in your anxiety. Your oxytocin change helps to improve your mood and self-esteem levels. Where the changes in your cortisol levels relieve your stress. 

Spreading kindness is starting to sound more and more like a natural way to possibly heal yourself. Not only will you experience an increase in “feel-good” hormones, but you will also have a decrease in other negative issues.  

Benefits Of Being Kind To Others 

Now that we understand the science behind kindness and its impact on your mental health a little more, let’s evaluate the benefits of being kind to others in general. When you choose to show some self-compassion, you usually experience feelings of confidence and control along with happiness and optimism. 

Being kind is also one of the things you can give, and the benefits reaped are doubled. Doubled in that, both people involved in the act experience the benefits. When you choose to be kind to another, that person becomes more inclined to do the same for another person. So the cycle continues. 

How Being Kind Decreases Mortality 

There have been many studies and research performed on this statement to deem it as fact. People who are more optimistic and experience high energy and moods have a decreased risk of disease and illness. Optimistic people have a decreased risk of heart disease, stroke, and decline in lung capacity/function. Optimism also leads to a lower risk of early death from cancer and infections. All by just being happier and having a higher quality of life! 

Kindness Is Contagious 

Have you ever seen someone be kind, and it encouraged you to do the same? Much like witnessing a person yawn, you are then inclined to yawn as well. Kindness works the same way in its contagiousness. When incorporating kindness in a crowded area, those watching the act are more inclined to “pay it forward”. Choosing to be kind as well. 

One simple act of kindness has the power to encourage and promote other acts of kindness. The person who is watching or listening may be compelled to give a little positive self-talk, look out for the well-being of others, or even show just a smile. Also, the people who are receiving the acts of kindness will want to spread it as well. Kindness is highly contagious; it only takes one person to start the chain.  

Your Kindness Mission For Today!

Why is kindness important? The research and studies have proven it! That kindness adds to both your quality and quantity of life by alleviating stress and improving your physical health. When you choose to give of yourself, your body will thank you. Expressing its gratitude by increasing the production of certain “happy chemicals” and decreasing your risk of illnesses and disease. 

Today I challenge you to share at least one intentional act of kindness. One act that will spread like wildfire and promote more of itself. One act that has the ability to improve your life and the lives of others and create a lasting impact.

Key Takeaways

• Intentionally be kind to others because it benefits them and you. 
• Showing kindness creates a ripple effect that can have a lasting impact. 
• Reduce stress and anxiety by finding ways to be kind to others. 
• Increase oxytocin and feel happier by doing nice things for those around you.