It’s easy to feel pessimistic these days. Watching the news can cause emotional distress to individuals, while even seemingly mundane behavior such as doomscrolling can lead to existential concerns. To counter the outpouring of seemingly pervasive negativity, we can turn to one thing to give us joy and boost our morale: kindness. When you witness and do acts of kindness, your brain releases chemicals that promote positive feelings, which could then lead to a better emotional state.
From kindness springs forth positivity and a plethora of other benefits. This article tackles the many wonderful advantages of being kind for your health and happiness. We hope that after you read this, you’ll feel encouraged — or compelled — to do acts of kindness daily for improved health, increased joy, and a better world.
The many benefits of being kind
It lowers levels of stress and anxiety
Doing acts of kindness can do wonders to improve stress and anxiety levels. One 2024 study followed university freshmen, young individuals undergoing a substantial life transition, for six weeks to check off items in a checklist composed of 47 prosocial actions. Afterward, they were asked to complete surveys about their well-being, such as if they were happy, flourishing, thriving, anxious, or lonely. The study found that new students who did different types of prosocial acts each week felt greater happiness, thriving, flourishing, resilience, and optimism. These students also felt less anxious and lonely during the course of the study.
It improves brain health
Doing kind deeds can also bolster your brain health. In an experiment conducted by the Baltimore Experience Corps trial, older adults aged 60 and older were given two options: they could either volunteer to tutor underprivileged elementary school children for at least 15 hours a week or be put on a waiting list. The experiment found that after two years, those who have volunteered experienced bolstered brain health, including improved executive function. The volunteers also didn’t experience any declines in memory.
It reduces physical pain
Not only does being kind helps reduce negative emotional feelings, but it also lessens physical pain. In a study conducted in 2023, researchers found that engaging in prosocial behaviors such as volunteering for a good cause or giving charitable donations can lead to lower levels of physical pain in people.
It slows aging
Being kind is a good way to slow down signs of aging and make you appear more attractive. According to a report, when people do acts of kindness, their bodies release kindness hormones — ones that fight immunosenescence, which is the process in which the immune system declines or deteriorates due to age. As a result, people who do kind deeds are able to slow down aging and boost their immune system.
Small acts of kindness you can do daily as a healthcare professional
Acts of kindness don’t have to cost you a lot of money or take a lot of your time. As a healthcare professional, you are in a great position to dole out kindness daily, especially as you work to keep patients healthy and safe.
Here are some additional acts of kindness that you can incorporate in your daily life in and out of work:
· Smile at strangers
· Hold the door open for colleagues and patients
· Listen actively to patients
· Write thank you notes to fellow nurses
· Share a homecooked meal with your fellow workers
· Help new nurses out
· Help older neighbors with chores
· Volunteer at a blood drive or a community outreach center, or be a medical volunteer during marathons and other public events
· Bring pastries or pizza for the entire unit (don’t forget the night shift!)
· Bring something home that your partner or children would love, just because
· Call your parents
· Catch up with old friends over coffee
We hope that you’ll choose to be kind today and every day!
