Being kind to others is an act that has some surprising benefits, both for you and those you’re kind to. This’s a habit that doesn’t receive the attention it should in our day and time. We’re all so busy and wrapped up in our own lives. But spreading kindness is well-worth it. These’re some of the surprising benefits of making this selfless choice.
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1. Your Day Gets Better, Too
You won’t only improve the day of the person you’re kind to, you’ll improve your own as well. As I’ve made it a goal to work on becoming kinder, I’ve noticed that my day gets a bit better with each kind choice I make. It brightens my day to brighten someone else’s. Try this and you’ll notice the truth of it for yourself. It’s good karma in action.
Kindness is like a boomerang; it comes back to you in unexpected ways. Studies have shown that when you perform an act of kindness, your brain releases endorphins, those delightful little hormones that create feelings of joy and peace. It doesn’t take much—a smile for a stranger or a compliment to a colleague—and voilà, your mood is lifted. It's as if each kind gesture you deploy plants a seed of happiness that grows within your heart. Imagine the garden you can cultivate in both your life and the lives of others with such simple, thoughtful deeds.
2. You Feel Better about Yourself
Being kind is a great self-esteem booster. It’s amazing how good you feel about yourself when you’re kind to others. On the flip side, when you’re unkind then you probably feel pretty crummy. I’ve been on both sides of that scenario and know that I feel much better when I choose kindness. Making kindness a priority will make you feel much better about what kind of person you are.
Engaging in acts of kindness not only sparks joy in the receiver's life, but it also ignites a warm glow within yourself. This internal reward system acknowledges the good you're doing, and in turn, bolsters your self-image. It's like giving yourself a mental high-five for helping to make the world a little brighter. Furthermore, research suggests that prosocial behavior can enhance your sense of connectivity with others, reinforcing the idea that we're all part of a larger community. Choose to spread kindness, and watch as it miraculously multiplies, reflecting back on you with an increased sense of self-worth and contentment.
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3. It’s an Instant Mood Boost
Feeling low or down in the dumps? Be kind to someone. You’re guaranteed an instant mood boost. Kindness doesn’t always come easily, especially if you’re in a bad mood. But if you’ll make the extra effort to be kind then you’ll find that your bad mood seems a little bit better. Being kind certainly won’t make you feel any worse.
Engaging in acts of kindness releases feel-good chemicals in your brain, like serotonin and endorphins. These natural mood lifters give you what’s often called a “helper’s high.” It's akin to the feel-good sensation after a workout, thanks to those same endorphins. Moreover, performing kind deeds can lead to an increased sense of belonging and purpose, which naturally diminishes your own sorrows as you contribute positively to someone's life. Even a simple smile or a compliment can go a long way in brightening both your and another’s day, turning a cycle of negative feelings into a wave of positivity.
4. It Improves Your Reputation
This shouldn’t be your only motivation to be kind to others but it’s a good point to consider. Being kind to others will improve your reputation. It’ll probably gain you a few friends, as well. After all, who doesn’t love a person that treats them well? Being kind to others will polish up your reputation.
Improving your reputation through kindness is not just about being well-liked; it also opens doors to new opportunities. When people see you as dependable and supportive, it can lead to personal and professional growth. A positive reputation built on genuine kindness can make others more inclined to assist you when you need it, making it a valuable asset for networking. Plus, your good deeds can set a ripple effect, inspiring others to act kindly too. Remember, every act of kindness contributes to building a legacy that reflects the best parts of your character.
5. It Comes Back to You
Kindness, like unkindness, comes back to you. If you’re kind to others then they’re more likely to be kind in return. Karma works and you’ve probably seen evidence of it in your own life. Of course you’ll encounter an unpleasant person on occasion. But if you spread kindness then you’ll probably see it come back to you in many ways.
This idea of "you get what you give" can brighten not just your day, but also your life in the long-term. By weaving threads of compassion into the fabric of everyday interactions, you foster a positive cycle around you. The smile you give to a stranger could lead to an unexpected helping hand down the line. Acts of kindness are like seeds sown into the garden of society; with time, they can grow into a network of support that blossoms well beyond individual moments. Remember, it's the little things that often bring about the most heartwarming rewards.
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6. It’s Good for Your Health
Being kind to others has another surprising benefit; it’s good for your health. Being kind doesn’t just make you feel better about yourself; it makes your body feel better. It lowers your blood pressure and helps your body release a good chemical that’s good for your heart. Huffington Post wrote an article on this subject a few years ago that discussed the health benefits of kindness. You can read it by following this link: huffingtonpost.com.
Engaging in compassionate acts can be a real mood booster, too. When you help others, your body releases oxytocin, sometimes referred to as the “love hormone," which not only increases your emotional well-being but can also reduce inflammation in the cardiovascular system, effectively acting as a natural heart protector. Moreover, kindness stimulates the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of satisfaction and well-being. By being kind, you're not only lifting others' spirits but fortifying your own health against the stressors of daily life. It's a truly symbiotic relationship for a happier, healthier you!
7. You’re the Bright Spot in Someone’s Day
This may be the best benefit of all. When you’re kind to others, you’re giving them a bright spot in their day. And the truth is, you never know what others are going through. Your kindness may be the only nice action they receive that day. It could mean more than you realize.
These’re some of the surprising benefits of kindness. What are your thoughts on this subject? I’d love to hear from you!
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