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What Are The Benefits of Kindness?

Kindness is a human art that expresses itself in generosity, empathy, consideration, and love. Besides the warm-heartedness that kindness brings to those who receive it, it is also proven to benefit those who give it!

Have you been down in the dumps lately? Or perhaps worried about your health? Well, as it turns out, committing more acts of kindness could not only improve the lives of others, but yours too.

Kindness Increases Happiness

It’s easy to understand how receiving a simple act of kindness can make someone’s whole mood brighten up. Sometimes, a little human compassion is all we really need. But, did you know that the person who acts kindly actually receives a huge boost in their mood as well?

The reason is this—completing acts of kindness boosts serotonin and dopamine levels in your brain! Serotonin and Dopamine are both neurotransmitters in the human brain that are responsible for mood regulation. A boost in serotonin and dopamine in the brain will give you feelings of well-being and satisfaction.

Also, when you commit a random act of kindness, your brain releases endorphins! Endorphins are chemicals that your brain naturally produces, and they bring on feelings of pleasure and pain relief. So, if you want to improve your own happiness, and the happiness of others, it pays to be kind!

Kindness Boosts Health

Not only can kindness help boost your mood, it can improve your health. Mental health and physical health often go hand in hand. It is no surprise, then, that completing acts of kindness can improve both your mental and physical health.

One way kindness can help is that it has been shown to decrease high blood pressure and lower cortisol levels. Cortisol is a chemical that your brain releases when it is under stress. High levels of cortisol are linked with intestinal problems, weight-gain, and headaches, among other ailments.

Being kind also decreases anxiety and depression. Those who participate in random acts of kindness, or routinely treat others with generosity and love, are shown to have overall better mental health.

The next time you have the opportunity to lend a helping hand, don’t be shy! Your kindness can save someone’s life, and possibly even your own!

Kindness Raises Self-Esteem

Many people fall victim to feelings of low self-esteem. Oftentimes, these feelings stem from a lack of self-worth. By performing an act of kindness, and seeing it’s positive affect on others, you can see firsthand the value you bring to your relationships.

If you are suffering from low self-esteem, make a small, attainable goal to make acts of kindness a routine. Perhaps doing one small, kind thing a day—even if that's just flashing a smile to a stranger—is a great start.

Ready to commit to a random act of kindness? Try using a kindness coin!