Since the day we were born we are “wired” to be social, and kindness is a big part of being socially well. Studies suggest that when we engage in random acts of kindness, negative feelings are replaced with positive ones. Every time we perform an act of kindness, our brain rewards our body with natural chemical responses that make us feel good.
Whether big or small, performing acts of kindness like volunteering, raking leaves for a neighbour, or opening a door can return some real-life benefits. Kindness not only makes you happy, but it can also improve your health by¹,²:
- Lowering anxiety and stress
- Improving heart health
- Preventing illness by strengthening your immune system
- Improving coping skills and relationships
- Reducing negative emotions
- Making you feel more connected to people around you
Opportunities for kindness are all around you. Join a community group, volunteer, be a Big Brother or Big Sister, join our Student Nutrition Program. Helping others will help you too.
- The 5 Side Effects of Kindness, David R. Hamilton
- Helping Others Dampens Effects of Everyday Stress. Science Daily, Dec. 14, 2015