Why do you help others? Yes, it is the right thing to do. But did you know that it also makes you happier and healthier?
I know it may be a bit selfish to look at how being kind to others is beneficial to us personally, but the recent science surrounding kindness is so fascinating that we can’t ignore it. Plus, it is important for parents to understand why we want to instill kindness in our children so that we can provide all the reasons to them when they question it.
Kindness is a win-win for both the giver and receiver. In searching for ways to reduce my own stress, I started participating in more volunteer activities in my community. I recently worked with an under-privileged six year old boy on his reading skills. It was so rewarding when he read the word “different” on his own since it was very challenging for him. His teacher was so excited for that accomplishment, and it gave him a confidence boost. I experienced so much joy from helping him and can’t wait to go back in a couple weeks.
What Happens When We Are Kind?
Our brain chemistry actually changes when we do something nice for another person. Studies show that thinking about, watching, or practicing kindness stimulates the vagus nerve, which is linked to the production of oxytocin in our brain. Oxytocin is a hormone that soothes us, making us feel calmer and happier. Kindness also triggers the production of dopamine, the hormone responsible for positive emotions and that natural high feeling we get. As a result, we experience positive health changes including:
- Increased life expectancy
- Feeling less lonely
- Stronger immune system
- Fewer aches and pains
- Decrease in stress and anxiety
- Less depression
How Kindness And Stress Are Connected
How can helping someone else reduce our stress level? A study published just last year at UCLA and Yale University School of Medicine linked acts of kindness to stress reduction. For 14 days, a group of adults was asked to report stressful events they experienced each day from several categories (e.g., interpersonal, work/education, home, finance, health/accident). They were also asked to report whether they participated in various helpful behaviors (e.g., held open a door, helped with schoolwork, asked someone if they needed help) that day.
Results showed that on any given day, helping others controlled the effects of stress on overall health. Researchers concluded that volunteerism can be an important way of coping with stress. According to the Association for Psychological Science, study author Emily Ansell of the Yale University School of Medicine said, “Stressful days usually lead us to have a worse mood and poorer mental health, but our findings suggest that if we do small things for others, such as holding a door open for someone, we won’t feel as poorly on stressful days.”
Ways To Expand Kindness In Your Family’s Life
Now that you know all the amazing benefits of kindness, don’t you just want to get out there and make someone smile? There are so many simple ways you can incorporate kindness into your family’s daily routine.
- Find a local volunteer project to do as a family.
- Do random acts of kindness with your kids and talk to them about the experience. How did it make them feel? Some ideas include leaving a treat on a neighbor’s doorstep, giving a very generous tip to restaurant staff, opening a door for a stranger, and helping the elderly with groceries.
- Send a thank you note to someone who has done something special for you.
- Join a kindness challenge. I encourage everyone to sign up with KindSpring. The site offers kindness challenges and an online community of people who practice small acts of kindness, share stories, and support each other.
- Bring kindness programs to your child’s school. Check out the following wonderful resources:
- Ripple Kindness Project: Provides a kindness school curriculum and an interactive community with stories and inspiration. They also offer kindness cards and other products.
- Random Acts of Kindness Foundation: Encourages the spread of kindness in schools, communities, and homes through inspiration, ideas, stories, and school curriculum.
- Samaritans 365: This after school program in my local community teaches children what it means to be a good Samaritan by organizing programs about acts of charity and kindness.
Looking for more ideas? Check out these 15 random ways to teach kids kindness and importance of helping others.
How has kindness made you or your children feel better?
Kindness brings joy! I love this post and I love where you’re coming from. It’s so hard to find GOOD content on the internet that has science backing it up. Thank you for sharing this! Fantastic read.
Kindness is a vital ingredient to happiness. Best of all it’s free. 🙂
Thanks for the lovely reminder!
Yes, and it’s so simple!
I love the science you included in this post- I had no idea the type of chemistry that occurs in our bodies when we perform a simple act of kindness!
Yes, the science is fascinating. I incorporate the science behind many of the tools we use to live happy, balanced lives. Each month I focus on a different tool. Next month we will explore how food and exercise affects stress and happiness.
Such a great read! Kindness is so important. A little of it goes a long way!
It’s great to have science backing being kind! Another reason to encourage people to truly be nice to each other. I work in the charity, and been volunteering for many years. So, I have always said to myself that my children will be volunteering along side me the moment they are able to help. Thanks for sharing this
Super, keep up the great charitable work. You are a great model for your children and they will grow up understanding the importance of being kind to others.