The act of kindness isn't just a virtue, it is a powerful enhancer to our well-being which has positive impacts on our mental and physical health in numerous ways. Talking about mental health, it refers to our emotional, psychological and social well-being. The way we feel, think, behave and how we cope with the ups and downs of life are all linked to our mental health.
What effects does kindness have on our mental health?
In our body system, there is the release of serotonin and dopamine which are often associated with the feeling of happiness. When individuals engage in kindness to another person, they experience a high feeling of happiness which boosts their mood. It makes them feel good doing something for humanity. Being kind to another builds a sense of connection and belonging which boosts one's self-esteem. There is this perception that when we show kindness to someone else, we see ourselves as a contributor to others' well-being and this makes us feel important, thereby helping us to develop a positive self-image in society.
Another effect kindness has on our mental health is helping us fight off loneliness and isolation which are both detrimental to our health. When we show kindness, it supports a positive social network and helps strengthen relationships with others. Through this process, we get to understand other people's needs and their perceptions which fosters empathy and compassion. These qualities are what help to build meaningful relationships and navigate social interactions effectively.
How does kindness influence our physical health?
Kindness is so powerful that when carried out, it helps to release oxytocin which is often referred to as "love hormone" and this reduces the level of stress and anxiety in a person. When stress is lowered in the body, it contributes to the better physical well-being of an individual. Also, we are made to understand that an individual who shows kindness is likely to live longer and lead a healthy lifestyle. Engaging in this act helps to give meaning to life which enables the individual to understand his or her sense of purpose through contributing to others' well-being which in turn keeps the fellow keen to showing kindness continuously.
Specific health benefits attributed to the acts of kindness
Practising kindness helps individuals cope with life's challenges by equipping them to fight through adversities and bounce back victoriously. The act of showing kindness is a powerful one that strengthens an individual's mental resilience, providing a sense of purpose and meaning in life. With this act, it gives individuals a feeling of contentment and satisfaction which results in having quality sleep and relaxation. With improved and better sleep, individuals are said to develop overall mental and physical well-being.
Lastly, practising kindness reduces the possibility of going into depression as they are found among social networks while fostering positive emotions and social connections. The acts of kindness create a ripple effect of positivity which both affect the giver and receiver in the end. Not only are we making the lives of others meaningful and amazing, but we are also doing ourselves good in developing better physical and mental well-being.
With all this being said, the week has been great with me practising kindness each day. A little smile, compliments, handshake etc goes a long way to add positivity into our lives. Below are the ways I showed kindness to people around me and helped me feel excited to be able to contribute to the well-being of others.