Want to increase your well-being? Be kind!

"When I give to others it warms my heart" Well... I don't know about your heart temperature, but I do know it is damn good for it !

Everyone knows that performing acts of kindness can improve our social connections, improve our social reputation and lead to closer relationships with those around us. But what about our health?

Recent scientific evidence has suggested that there is a strong link between kindness and our health and well-being. In this post, I will explore some of the scientific evidence that supports this claim. Kindness is a fundamental human trait that has been revered for centuries. From small acts of kindness to more significant acts of charity, kindness has the power to transform not only the recipient's life but also the giver's life.

“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” –Maya Angelou

Kindness reduces stress levels

Stress is a significant problem in our modern society, and it can have a significant impact on our health and well-being. Research has shown that performing acts of kindness can help reduce stress levels. A study published in the International Journal of Psychophysiology found that performing acts of kindness led to a decrease in cortisol levels, which is a hormone that is associated with stress.

Kindness boosts our mood

Performing acts of kindness can also boost our mood and make us feel happier. A study published in the Journal of Social Psychology found that performing acts of kindness increased participants' happiness levels. This effect was even more pronounced when participants performed five acts of kindness in a single day.

Kindness improves our relationships

Our relationships with others are a critical component of our health and well-being. Research has shown that performing acts of kindness can improve our relationships with others. A study published in the Journal of Social Psychology found that performing acts of kindness improved participants' perceptions of their social support network.

Kindness promotes physical health

Research has also suggested that performing acts of kindness can have a positive impact on our physical health. A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that performing acts of kindness led to an increase in self-reported physical health. Additionally, a study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that volunteering was associated with a lower risk of mortality.

Kindness increases life satisfaction

Finally, performing acts of kindness can also increase our life satisfaction. A study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that performing acts of kindness was positively associated with life satisfaction.

Personal note:

All my life I have tried being nice and polite, until I realized that doing that one extra thing makes all the difference. I am known as a sarcastic woman, I use a lot of dark humor as a coping mechanism and I might seem edgy to those who don't know me. But make no mistake - this has nothing to do with me trying to do whatever is in my power for others. Wait, No. - I am not a saint... as you already figured it out - I may be getting back more than I am giving.

There are growing scientific evidence suggesting that kindness and altruistic behavior are beneficial for both our mental and physical health. Studies have shown that performing acts of kindness, such as volunteering or donating to charity, can increase feelings of happiness and reduce stress and depression. It is associated with a lower risk of chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, and improved immune function. Moreover, the act of giving activates the reward centers of the brain, leading to feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. Overall, practicing kindness and generosity towards others can have profound effects on our health and well-being.

Your parents were right - Be kind!