5 Reasons why Kindness is good for your health

Now, more than ever is a time when we need more kindness. Kindness isn't just something that feels warm and fuzzy, it actually has an impact on our health. Not only does providing kindness to others have an impact on you as an individual, but it also has a positive impact on those who receive acts of kindness and those who witness acts of kindness. 5 Health Benefits of Kindness

Helps eases anxiety: by being kind to others, this is the easiest and least expensive way of easing anxiety. Similar to meditation and exercise.

Releases feel-good hormones: it boosts your serotonin levels (a neurotransmitter reponsible for feelings of satisfaction & well-being). This is similar to a release of endorphins (happy hormones) during exercise.

Good for your heart: Kindness releases the hormone oxytocin. According to medical journals oxytocin causes the release of a chemical called nitric oxide in blood vessels, which dilates (expands) the blood vessels. This then helps reduce blood pressure and therefore oxytocin is known as a ‘cardioprotective’ hormone because it protects the heart (by lowering blood pressure). It strengthens your heart physically and emotionally.

Helps you live longer: when you're kind to others to helps you create strong relationships. It's the relationships that support your overall health and well-being enhancing your life expectancy.

Helps prevent illness: inflammation in the body is associated with many illnesses including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and chronic pain to name a few. It's been show through studies that oxytocin helps reduce inflammation in the body, therefore by doing a random act of kindness you're able to release oxytocin to do a great job for your body and mind.

10 ways to show kindness to others:

1. Say Hello to a stranger: you may be the only person they speak to all day.

2. Buy a homeless person a meal

3. Donate to your local food bank

4. Ask someone to go for a walk

5. Give a great review online about a service or product to received

6. Treat someone to a coffee

7. Bake some cakes for your neighbours

8. Compliment a stranger

9. Write someone a card or thank you note

10. Donate clothes to a local charity