Coming off our recent Sprinkle Kindness campaign, I was reminded that sometimes, the most important messages are delivered in the simplest packages. Reminded of how valuable it is to let people know that you appreciate them. Reminded of the significance of being kind.
Kindness, by definition, is “the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.” What is more, kindness is often a behavior or action rather than an emotion or feeling. It’s paying for the person behind you when you get your morning coffee. It’s sharing a genuine smile with a stranger as you walk past them. So, if kindness is a behavior, can it positively impact our well-being?
As it turns out, yes – acts of kindness can positively impact not only our mental health but our physical health as well. Here are five proven benefits of both giving and receiving kindness:
Kindness can lower stress.
One study showed that kinder people have 23% less cortisol – otherwise known as ‘the stress hormone.’ Outside of its impact on the stress response, cortisol also impacts the immune system’s responses and suppresses the digestive system.
Kindness can decrease pain.
This is done by generating endorphins, the brain’s “natural painkiller.” The brain releases endorphins to block the cells that receive pain signals, helping to continue functioning in uncomfortable and stressful situations.
Kindness can have a positive impact on anxiety.
The University of British Columbia conducted a study where six “highly anxious individuals” were asked to perform six acts of kindness per week. The results after one month were remarkable. These individuals cited a “significant increase in positive moods and relationship satisfaction” as well as “a decrease in social avoidance.”
Kindness can lower blood pressure.
It turns out that giving kindness can create ’emotional warmth,’ which in turn releases the hormone oxytocin. According to a study, oxytocin is considered a “cardioprotective hormone” due to its ability to cause the release of nitric oxide. This chemical dilates blood vessels and, consequently, reduces blood pressure.
Kindness can decrease depression.
One source described kindness as being “most similar to a medical anti-depressant” due to its ability to produce ‘the feel-good’ chemical of serotonin. What accompanies this increased production of serotonin are feelings of healing and calmness.
One of my favorite parts of working at Karis is seeing kindness in action day in and day out. Whether it is one Community Member giving another a ride to pick up a prescription or our staff leaving one another kind Post-It notes in each other’s offices, you’d be hard-pressed to find a day where the lessons above aren’t put into practice.
So, if you’re feeling inspired to join in and start reaping some of the benefits, you are in luck: Random Acts of Kindness Day is coming up on February 17th! Drop us a note and let us know how you’ll be celebrating.
Annie Wharton, LCSW, LAC
Executive Director
Sources: Cassidy & Shaver, 2008; Mikulincer & Shaver, 2007; Keltner & Haidt, 2003; The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, n.d.; Stephen Post, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.