Many studies have shown that performing acts of kindness to others has lasting benefits for the receiver and also for the giver. Most people are unaware how powerful this effect is, it impacts every aspect of our wellbeing, mentally and physically.
So how does it work? When we are kind, we stimulate hormones responsible for us feeling good. These include serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin. These feel good hormones will boost our overall feelings of wellness and benefit not only the receiver but ourselves when we are the giver. To work effectively, kind acts need to be carried out to benefit someone else, not so we can avoid punishment or get something specific in return. Acts of kindness also have the effect of lowering cortisol, our stress hormone. Together with increasing our feel good hormones this is a very powerful self-help tool.
Physically, acts of kindness and the hormones they release have a positive effect too. There are too many benefits to completely list here, but they include lowering blood pressure, dilating blood vessels, decreasing inflammation and improving our immune system. Even sleep is improved when we engage regularly in acts of kindness.
When we carry out acts of kindness, we can get a sense of being in control. We start to believe we can do something to improve the lot of the people around us and that helps us feel more competent and confident within ourselves.
Socially, random acts of kindness benefit us by helping develop our connection with the community around us. When people in our community do things to help each other, the social glue that binds us together becomes stronger and our sense of community is enhanced. Belonging is an important human need, giving and receiving acts of kindness is highly satisfying and our sense of belonging and being part of our community is enhanced.
There are many ways we can perform random acts of kindness. We can start by simply looking out for things we can do to improve the lot of those around us. I know of people who mow, pick up rubbish and generally take care of the environment even when it is not their responsibility. Others do things to help a neighbour or look out for and help someone who is less able in some way. Volunteering is another great way to contribute.
There is nothing to be lost and everything to be gained by performing random acts of kindness, why not start today.