People often only think of kind acts as simple gestures, however the effects go much deeper than most would think. Research in different fields has shown that acts of kindness both small and big can have huge positive impacts on our physical and emotional health.
When you perform a kind act, the brain releases the chemicals dopamine, seratonin, and oxytocin which all make your brain “feel” good. These feelings naturally reduces stress and boost mood. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Oxytocin has anti-inflammantory properties which can help reduce the risk of illneses like heart disease and diabetes.
Beyond the invidual health benefits kindness can have, it also improves our relationships with ourselves. When people engage in kind behaviors, they tend to feel more fulfilled. In a study done by the University of California , Irvine (UCI), people assigned to perform one act of kindness each day for ten days reported increased life satisfaction compared to a control group that didn’t intentionally perform kind acts.
Another benefit kindness has is improving the bonds within our community. Showing kindness has been known to help us build social connections, increase trust, and promote positivity. Do you ever notice that when someone does something kind for you, you feel the need to do the same? This is because kindness creates a sense of mutual respect which is important for any healthy relationship.
Acts of kindness can come in many forms and don’t have to be anything special. Things such as smiling at strangers, complimenting people, holding a door for someone, saying thank you, forgiving others, and making conversation all count. I’m not asking you to give your wallet away or peform grand acts. The truth is small acts can have just as much impact and it is important for us as people to try partaking in them often. In our current times where people are seemingly more divided than ever, we must recognize that everyone is human, everyone has flaws, and everyone is different. Kindness helps remind us of our shared humanity, and that reminder is more important now than ever.
Go out and be that spark of kindness. Compliment someone’s outfit, hold the door for a stranger, share a smile. The smallest act can brighten someone else’s day.