Emotional and Health Benefits of Being Kind
In an unfeeling world of winners and losers, the quiet power of kindness for seniors may seem like a quaint, old-fashioned notion. Yet, a simple act of kindness can be the most powerful way to improve the lives of both the receiver and the giver. When viewed through the lens of emerging research, the emotional and health benefits are not just a virtue but a healing prescription for the body, mind, and soul.
The Science
In recent years, extensive research on kindness has demonstrated its profound and well-documented benefits. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a University of California, Riverside psychologist, published one of the most significant studies. Her ground-breaking investigation concluded that practicing kindness increases an individual’s subjective satisfaction and well-being. Lyubomirsky staged a four-week experiment in which participants were instructed to act kind every day – for instance, helping a neighbor take out the trash, donating more to charity, or even the simple yet thoughtful gesture of holding a door. The study revealed that participants who did something kind for others were happier and less stressed.
These results confirm what psychologists call “helper’s high”—the euphoria one experiences following benevolent acts. When we extend our hand to assist another in need, our brain lands a double reward. First, it pumps out endorphins, nature’s painkiller, and then oxytocin, the bonding and socializing hormone. These neurochemicals significantly improve mood and physical health through their therapeutic effects on blood pressure and cortisol, the stress hormone.
Kindness as a Buffer Against Stress
With life comes stress, and the adverse effects of stress are already well-known. Over the years, researchers have linked elevated levels of stress to an array of health problems, ranging from heart disease and diabetes to depression. However, scientific observations show that kindness is a natural approach to mitigating these damaging effects.
A study published in the Journal of Social Psychology found that people who regularly perform kind deeds tend to feel less stressed and anxious. The random acts of kindness experiment was conducted by scientists at Harvard University and appeared in the prestigious Journal. Participants were asked to participate in at least five acts of kindness every week for six consecutive weeks. At the end of the experiment, the investigators found that the kindness group exhibited lower stress and anxiety levels and appeared more emotionally resilient. The authors suggest that such behaviors often come with social rewards. By helping others, we simultaneously build a network of support to access in times of need. Social inclusion and support are potent buffers against stress, improving our overall emotional resilience and life satisfaction.
Physical Health Benefits of Kindness
Beyond the feel-good rewards, kindness provides a physical payoff. A study conducted at the University of British Columbia found that individuals who frequently perform kind acts have lower levels of inflammation, a telling measure of chronic conditions like heart disease and arthritis. The study split participants into two groups: one was asked to perform acts of kindness, and the second to focus on themselves. A month later, the kindness group had much lower inflammatory markers. The researchers concluded that close social connections are essential for this process: people with more social relationships have lower inflammation levels and better health.
Longevity and Kindness
Other studies have revealed that being kind to others can offer the most significant benefit of all. Research by the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) at Stanford University in California found that individuals who volunteered their time to help others lived longer than those who did not. In an extensive five-year study, researchers followed more than 1,500 adults, assessing those who had died or been hospitalized for a heart attack or stroke. Those most engaged in kind, caring actions had a 20 percent lower risk of death during the monitoring period than those who were the least altruistic. Compared to any other lifestyle or personality trait, the research suggests that kindness has more longevity benefits due to lower stress, better social connections, and improved cardiovascular health.
Kindness in the Workplace
The workplace is another environment where kindness yields significant benefits. A study by the University of California, Berkeley, found that teams that cultivate a culture of compassion and cooperation tend to be more successful than those that do not. Employees who feel supported by their colleagues are more likely to take risks, innovate, and collaborate effectively. Moreover, kindness in the workplace has been shown to reduce employee turnover and increase job satisfaction, which can positively impact the bottom line.
The Ripple Effect of Kindness
Kindness has a ripple effect. When we are kind to others, it also motivates them to be kind to others. This ‘paying it forward’ phenomenon occurs widely in social surveys. For example, a study at Harvard Business School has shown that acts of kindness in organizations can create a ‘social contagion’ of generosity and trust.
Kindness does not respect boundaries and has the power to bring people together. It transcends culture, race, and religion, connecting us in a divided world. Recognizing the unifying power of kindness can give us hope for a future where divisions are a thing of the past.
The True Power of Kindness
In an era where success is often measured by wealth, status, and power, it is easy to overlook the more subtle forms of strength. Yet, as the research shows, kindness is a powerful force with profound benefits for both the giver and the receiver. From enhancing emotional well-being to improving physical health and even extending lifespan, the simple act of kindness is an effective way to enrich our lives and the lives of those around us.
As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it’s crucial to reconsider the value of kindness. Kindness is not just a moral virtue but a practical tool for achieving a healthier, happier, and more connected world. It has the power to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and create a sense of unity. We can all become part of a larger, more connected community by embracing kindness.
- Lyubomirsky, S. et al. (2005). “The Benefits of Frequent Positive Affect: Does Happiness Lead to Success?” Psychological Bulletin.
- Crocker, J., & Canevello, A. (2008). “Creating and undermining social support in communal relationships: The role of compassionate and self-image goals.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
- Kogan, A., et al. (2010). “The social dimensions of stress.” Journal of Social Psychology.
- University of British Columbia. (2013). “Kindness and its impact on health.” Journal of Health Psychology.
- Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE). (2014). “Compassion and Longevity.” Journal of Compassionate Healthcare.
