By Diane Samuel
Kindness! The quality of being friendly, selfless, generous, considerate, loving, courteous, benevolent, gentle… and even more.
Kindness is magic!
Kindness is one of those happiness paradoxes, whereby we become happier by making other people happy/happier.
Kindness can come in different forms and it doesn’t take a lot. It can be as simple as being friendly/caring, randomly checking on that friend or relative, it can be in form of giving according to your capacity (there’s nothing too small or to big), and it can also be in form of being someone’s support system… the list is inexhaustible.
Why do we have to be kind? Why is it important?
It is simply because helping someone gives you a sense of purpose and fulfilment!
Studies have shown that while being kind has its social benefits, there are also scientific benefits attached to it. The human brain rewards us when we do acts of kindness. Kind actions signals our brains to release serotonin and dopamine, two chemicals involved in creating “helper’s high” and lessening pain, depression, and anxiety.
Additionally, if you comfort someone who has lost a loved one, your brain may release oxytocin, a hormone that helps us bond with others. Oxytocin makes us more trusting, generous, and friendly.
Kindness increases happiness, energy, the love hormone, lifespan, and pleasure; while it decreases pain, stress, anxiety, depression, blood pressure.
So! Wouldn’t you rather choose happiness?
Pick that phone and check on someone today
Lend a helping hand to someone
Be someone’s support system
Forgive easily and love truly
Be kind to yourself too! Forgive yourself, read a book, exercise, meditate, do what improves your mood.
When one person is happy, he/she shares that same energy to the people around. Think about the ripple effect of one act of kindness. Indeed, the world will be a better place with more acts of kindness.