We all learned from a very young age that being kind to the people around us is "the right thing to do," but as our schedules get busier and busier, going out of your way to make someone else's day a little brighter might not seem like it is worth the effort. You may want to re-think that though...
Did you know being kind to others has tremendous health benefits? Not only for the person doing the kind act, or the person on the receiving end, but also for anyone that witnesses it too! All these health benefits stem from the release of specific hormones. That warm feeling you get when you do something nice for someone else initiates the release of specific hormones and chemicals that are stored in your brain like serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins.
Kindness Can:
**Please note - I AM NOT A DOCTOR. This is not meant to be medical advice.....but I promise you a simple act of kindness can make the world of difference in someone's day :)
Did you know being kind to others has tremendous health benefits? Not only for the person doing the kind act, or the person on the receiving end, but also for anyone that witnesses it too! All these health benefits stem from the release of specific hormones. That warm feeling you get when you do something nice for someone else initiates the release of specific hormones and chemicals that are stored in your brain like serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins.
Kindness Can:
- Make you happier! Endorphins are released which gives you a natural high often referred to as "helper's high." These endorpins are your body's natural versions of morphine and heroine (but they are nearly 3x more effective, and completely legal).
- Give you a healthier heart! When oxytocin is released into your blood stream, it bonds to receptors and releases nitric oxide. This nitric oxide is responsible for dilating your blood vessels (making them bigger) which reduces your blood pressure since your heart doesn't have to work as hard to move blood through your body.
- Reduce Stress! Oxytocin inhibits the secretion of cortisol (the"stress hormone") which in turn lowers your stress levels.
- Fight Depression! Low levels of serotonin in one's brain is often a cause of depression. Most antidepressant drugs chemically produce serotonin, but it is also easily produced through kindness.
- Slow aging! A drop in hormone levels often accompanies aging. One of these hormones - DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) - plays a big role in making you look younger, and a single act of kindness can double your levels of DHEA!
- Promote Healthier Relationships! Oxytocin is often called the "cuddle hormone." It is the hormone that helps a mother bond with her newborn baby and it also encourages social bonding and increases your ability to feel empathetic. It is released when you complete acts of kindness!
**Please note - I AM NOT A DOCTOR. This is not meant to be medical advice.....but I promise you a simple act of kindness can make the world of difference in someone's day :)