I’m writing this blog ahead of World Kindness Day (13 November), and 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 our brain.
• Lowers anxiety levels – just like medications or holistic treatments, exercise or meditation, acts of kindness are a straightforward, easy way of reducing or combating 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 does help create and sustain wonderful friendships.

After doing an act of kindness, you’ll feel the positive effect and feel happier.

Want a healthy and happy life? Choose kindness.

Here are 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 well-being wins.  What do you think?

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or a complete 60-minute Happiness workshop, please email Sunny Turner at HAPPY@SERIOUSLAUGHTER.CO.UK