Random Acts of Kindness Day!

Kindness can make the world a better place for everyone. Being kind can boost people’s confidence, happiness and optimism. It can also help others to ‘pass it forward’ – contributing to a more positive community. And, the health benefits are even backed by science! Here are just a few ways kindness can help us all.

Kindness releases feel-good hormones 

Doing nice things for others boosts your serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of satisfaction and well-being. Like exercise, kindness also releases endorphins, better known as a “helper’s high.”

So, go ahead and volunteer and help someone in need – it may be just the pick-me-up you need.

Kindness eases anxiety

Everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their life and it turns out that being nice to others can be one of the easiest, most inexpensive ways to keep it at bay.

Studies have found that people who engaged in acts of kindness, such as smiling at someone or calling a friend experienced more positive emotions that were sustained over the four weeks of the study.

So, the next time you’re feeling a little anxious, look for opportunities to help others, even a small gesture can make a big difference.

Kindness is good for your heart

Being nice to others can also affect the actual chemical balance of your heart. Even little acts of kindness can release the hormone oxytocin which can expand the blood vessels, reduce blood pressure and inflammation.

Inflammation in the body is associated with all sorts of health problems such as diabetes, cancer, chronic pain, obesity, and migraines. According to a study of adults aged 57-85

volunteering manifested the strongest association with lower levels of inflammation.

It can help you live longer

According to Health.com, you’re at a greater risk of heart disease if you don’t have a strong network of family and friends. When you’re kind to others, you develop strong, meaningful relationships. This is why our volunteer mentors have such a strong, and long lasting impact on the people they help.

It reduces stress

Helping others lets you get outside of yourself and take a break from the stress of your own life, and this behavior can also make you better equipped to handle stressful situations.