Why kindness is good

Jo is also a member of several charitable and political not-for-profit organisations, none of which will benefit directly from this piece. Robin Banerjee does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Everybody can appreciate acts of kindness.

But when it comes to explaining why we do them, people often take one of two extreme positions. Some think kindness is something completely selfless that we do out of love and care, while others believe it is just a tool that we cunningly use to become more popular and reap the benefits. But research shows that being kind to others can actually make us genuinely happy in a number of different ways. We know that deciding to be generous or cooperating with others activates an area of the brain called the striatum.

Interestingly, this area responds to things we find rewarding, such as nice food and even addictive drugs. Research in psychology shows a link between kindness and well-being throughout life, starting at a very young age. The act of helping others actually activates the part of your brain that makes you feel pleasure. It also releases a hormone called oxytocin that helps modulate social interactions and emotion — the higher your oxytocin levels, the more generous you may be.

Food for thought: Reportedly, one person in Winnipeg, Manitoba, picked up the tab for the next car in line at a coffee-and-sandwich drive-through. This inspired the next person to do to the same. The chain continued for an astonishing customers! Seems like research supports the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. The kinder you act toward others, the better you will feel. Researchers have found that feelings of thankfulness can help improve sleep, diminish fatigue, increase confidence and even lessen depression.

One way to increase your feelings of gratitude is to start journaling. Keeping a gratitude journal — just writing down things you're grateful for — has been found to actually improve biological markers that indicate heart health. Don't want to carry a notebook? There are plenty of phone apps that can help you express gratitude or share happy moments.

Like anything else, engaging in loving kindness gets easier with practice. Try thinking positive thoughts about people in your life. Write down the things you're grateful for this week. Set aside 10 minutes to meditate. You may just find a happier, healthier you. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below.

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This content does not have an English version. Simply asking "How am I going to practice kindness today? For a homework assignment, I have invited some clients to pay attention and periodically document during the day their evidence of kindness to others and especially to themselves.

This positive focus is like planting positive seeds in your mind garden. Where focus goes, energy flows. I recently was talking about kindness to a young client who asked if I wanted them to get on the ark. I asked what that meant. The client said, "Acts of random kindness.

How about you? Are you willing to get on the ark? Finally, I'd like to leave you with this quote: "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. We will drive change towards a mentally healthy society for all, and support communities, families and individuals to lead mentally healthy lives with a particular focus on those at greatest risk.

Action for Happiness is a movement of people committed to building a happier society. They also run the International Day of Happiness. Volunteering made easy. Quickly find ways to help in your community by searching their online database of volunteering opportunities in your area. Links volunteers with charities and other organisations that could benefit from their time, skills and experience.

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Post S. Int J Pers Cent Med. Is volunteering a public health intervention? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the health and survival of volunteers. BMC Public Health. Environmental volunteering and health outcomes over a year period.