Committing a random act of kindness may seem like a win-win for the giver and the receiver. While this is true, the benefits are more complicated than one may originally believe. In fact, there is even science behind how kindness, in general, works.
New research dives into how the symptoms of mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, can have positive changes through kind actions. A study performed by the University of Ohio explored such benefits within the Psychiatry.org article, “The Mental Health Benefits of Simple Acts of Kindness.” According to the study, people with elevated symptoms of depression or anxiety were assigned to engage in acts of kindness. They were first invited to join in social activities or participate in a brief intervention based on cognitive behavioral therapy (specifically cognitive reappraisal). Afterwards, researchers found all three activities reduced symptoms. However, acts of kindness proved to show the most success. “Acts of kindness may more effectively improve social connection and related dimensions of well being than prevailing cognitive behavioral therapy techniques,” the authors wrote.
Why are acts of kindness so successful? By participating in acts of kindness, individuals with depression or anxiety were able to, “divert their attention from themselves and take their minds off their own symptoms,” the article concludes. Research within the study also discovered how being kind can help one boost their own self esteem, “while decreasing stress and emotional reactivity.”
Another aspect was how kindness itself can often be “contagious.” Which explains why the “pay it forward” trend is so successful. “People who received acts of kindness were more likely to be more generous themselves,” the study stated. The good news is the acts do not need to be grandiose. “Every day, simple acts of kindness can contribute to boosting your mood, reducing stress and possibly alleviating symptoms of depression or anxiety.”
While it may seem like most of the benefits are for one’s minds, this is not true. The Random Acts of Kindness website discusses how kind acts can also help boost one’s energy. Participants in one study reported that they felt, “stronger and more energetic after helping others.” One could even extend their lifespan with kind acts. According to Christine Carter, author of “Raising Happiness; In Pursuit of Joyful Kids and Happier Parents,” older participants have even more to gain. “People 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organizations have an impressive 44% lower likelihood of dying early, and that’s after sifting out every other contributing factor, including physical health, exercise, gender, habits like smoking, marital status and many more.”
With all this news as a positive arsenal, are you curious about how one can incorporate positive acts of kindness into his or her life? Read on for five simple, yet rewarding activities sure to have all feeling splendid!
Act of Kindness #1: Phone a friend you have not spoken to in a while. While calling someone may not be ideal for everyone, it means so much more than a text. Worried about finding time? Find a chore that you must do normally, like driving home from work or walking your pup and, during this time, make that call. Hearing that person’s voice will boost both parties’ spirits. Plus, the phone call does not have to be long. Explain in the first few minutes how long you must chat, that way both parties know how much time they have to reconnect.
Acts of Kindness #2: Pay it forward by buying someone’s coffee/beverage. While you are completing your Starbuck’s run, go ahead and pay for the next person. You would be surprised how this simple act may often create a chain reaction with all in line doing the same thing. The purchase does not need to cover the entire order to have a similar effect.
Acts of Kindness #3: Compliment the first three people you see today. This simple act can be at home or at work; at the grocery store or while walking in the neighborhood. The compliment does not need to be complicated, just genuine. The good news is that, once one starts, they may feel the need to keep this trend going all day. Next thing you know, you will be at the receiving end!
Acts of Kindness #4: Do not throw away those old towels or blankets! Instead, consider donating them to a local animal shelter. Animal shelters are in constant need of new towels and blankets, especially during the winter months, when many pups are brought in to help avoid wintry weather. The center may need help with volunteering which will give you another new opportunity to give back as well as make new friends.
Acts of Kindness #5: Make a care package for someone in need. If you know someone who has a family member in the hospital or recently had a death in the family, consider putting a small package together of their favorite foods/snacks. You would be surprised how much even a small plate of cookies or desserts could mean to someone going through a tough life situation.
