I’m writing this blog ahead of World Kindness Day (13 November) and personally I always strive to do random acts of kindness whenever it’s possible.
But what I didn’t know was how many health benefits this has on the mind and body!
So in this blog I thought I’d share some of these with you.
- Ever get that nice warm “fuzzy” feeling when you’ve given a stranger a gift (even a smile works)?
This feeling is the oxytocin released (“love” hormone). This same chemical prevents illness by lowering levels of inflammation in the body.
Oxytocin is also responsible for releasing nitric oxide in blood vessels which then dilates them – reducing blood pressure, and strengthening your heart.
- Boosts serotonin, feel good endorphins – releasing a natural “high”. We know we feel good and satisfied and this is all to do with the pleasure centres in your brain.
- Lowers anxiety levels – just like medications or holistic treatments, exercise or meditation, acts of kindness are a really simple easy way of lowering or combatting anxiety completely.
- Incredibly, science has confirmed that you’ll also live longer! Social isolation can cause the stress hormone to increase. If you don’t have close friends or family you’re more at risk of heart disease. However, being kind lowers these stress levels, slowing down the ageing process and really does help create and sustain wonderful friendships.
After doing an act of kindness you’ll feel the positive affect and feel happier.
Want a healthy and happy life? Choose kindness.
Here’s some helpful kindness ideas:
Give compliments to others
Share a smile today with strangers
Give up your seat on a crowded train or bus
Hold a door open
Donate to a charity, volunteer, help others
Surprise someone with a gift
Give your unwanted items to others in need via the Freegle website or Facebook free groups – you’ll often meet the people collecting
Give extra hugs!
Be kind to yourself too!
Taking kindness into your daily or weekly diary seems to be an easy thing to incorporate.
Seems like a no-brainer really as the giver and recipient’s wellbeing wins. What do you think?
For more happiness and wellbeing tips
or a full happiness workshop please email Sara Kay at HAPPY@SERIOUSLAUGHTER.CO.UK
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