GIVING
The more we focus on compassionate action, on helping others, the happier we seem to become in the long run. There's actually medical science behind the benefits of doing random acts of kindness. According to research, kindness triggers our brain’s Serotonin, which is one of the brain’s neurotransmitters and is known as one of the brain’s Happy chemicals. It acts almost like an antidepressant.
A University of British Columbia study shows us that some participants who performed at least six acts of kindness a week after one month, there was a significant increase in positive moods,
relationship satisfaction, and a decrease in social avoidance in
socially anxious people. Kindness also boosts self-esteem and
value and promotes empathy and compassion, which, in turn, leads to a sense of interconnectedness with others. Keep in mind that random acts can be something as simple as giving a compliment, sharing a smile, holding the door for someone, buying someone a cup of coffee, or doing a favor.
Additionally, just witnessing acts of kindness apparently make us feel wonderful. Research shows that to see a kind act produces oxytocin, often referred to as the ‘love hormone.’ It boosts our optimism, and our pleasure and reward centers - and at the same time, helps to lower blood pressure, improve our overall heart-health, and increase our energy.
Acts of Kindness
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