Being kind really is good for you and not just something your parents taught you to increase your positive relationships. How? Let me show you!
Kindness strengthens your heart.
Most people would agree that being thoughtful toward another person “warms” the heart. But, did you know it really does affect the heart?
When you act in a nurturing way, a hormone called oxytocin is released. This hormone triggers nitric oxide, which expands the blood vessels. When this happens, blood pressure is reduced and the heart is protected.
Long story, short – Kindness lengthens the life of your heart and strengthens you emotionally.
Side note: oxytocin has also been shown to reduce the speed of the aging process. BONUS!
Kindness helps you live longer.
We have known for some time that when we have a strong network of family and friends, we stay sharper mentally and physically, which can help us live longer lives. Build those lasting relationships by being kind and allowing others to be kind to you.
Kindness produces happiness.
Doing something kind correlates with elevated levels of dopamine. When we have increased dopamine levels we feel happier and satisfied.
Kindness can reduce symptoms of depression and chronic pain.
Those who practice some type of quiet, contemplative meditation or prayer focusing on kind thoughts about others have been shown to also have reduced pain and tension from migraines and reduced depressive symptoms.
Kindness can raise your own confidence and self-esteem.
When we engage in acts of kindness toward others, we have the potential to see ourselves in a more positive way. It can also reduce feelings of anger and aggression.
There are several great organizations with kindness as their mission. Check them out :
Randomacts.org
Lifevestinside.com
Spreadkindness.org
Let’s make kindness our next pandemic!
~ Terra
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