What are the health benefits of kindness?
Helping others feels good
Studies have found that acts of kindness are linked to increased feelings of wellbeing. Helping others can also improve our support networks and encourage us to be more active. This, in turn, can improve our self-esteem. There is some evidence to suggest that when we help others, it can promote changes in the brain that are linked with happiness.
It creates a sense of belonging and reduces isolation
Helping others is thought to be one of the ways that people create, maintain, and strengthen their social connections. For example, volunteering and helping others can help us feel a sense of belonging, make new friends, and connect with our communities. Face-to-face activities such as volunteering at a support group can also help reduce loneliness and isolation.
It helps keep things in perspective
Many people don’t realise the impact a different perspective can have on their outlook on life. There is some evidence that being aware of our own acts of kindness, as well as the things we are grateful for, can increase feelings of happiness, optimism and satisfaction. Doing good may help you to have a more positive outlook about your own circumstances.
It helps to make the world a happier place – one act of kindness can often lead to more!
Acts of kindness have the potential to make the world a happier place. An act of kindness can boost feelings of confidence, being in control, happiness and optimism. They may also encourage others to repeat the good deeds they’ve experienced themselves – contributing to a more positive community.
The more you do for others, the more you do for yourself
The benefits of helping others can last long after the act itself, for those offering kindness, and those who benefit. This, in turn, can improve our self-esteem.