Tap Into Your Kindness Genes And Experience The Ripple Effect
The helper high
A gesture as simple as smiling at a stranger, checking on an elderly neighbour, giving up your seat on the bus or listening to someone in need, can transform someone else’s life – and your own. Research has shown that the act of giving or helping can give you a lift too. It can increase serotonin, the feel-good chemical in your brain, boost your energy and make you happier, while decreasing anxiety and stress. Studies conducted by happiness researcher and author of The Happiness Advantage, Shawn Achor, showed that if you perform random acts of kindness for two minutes a day for 21 days, you can retrain your brain to be more positive.
It’s in our DNA
“We’re actually genetically wired to be kind. We have kindness genes that are some of the oldest in the human genome at over 500 million years young,” says David R Hamilton, author of Why Kindness is Good for You and The Five Side Effects of Kindness. “Scientific evidence has proven that kindness changes the brain, impacts the heart and immune system, and may even be an antidote to depression. It makes us feel uplifted and inspired; that warm feeling we have when we’re being kind, receiving kindness or witnessing it. This sets in motion the ripple effect of kindness, where one act touches many more lives than the original recipient.”
Jamil Zaki, professor of psychology at Stanford University, came to the same conclusion in his research, which showed how witnessing kindness actually inspires kindness, causing it to spread.
Social media boosts
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Unwind your MIND
DOES YOUR BRAIN SWITCH TO YOUR NEVER-ENDING TO-DO LIST WHEN YOU SIT DOWN TO RELAX? TRUDIE MCCONNOCHIE LOOKS AT WHY THIS HAPPENS AND HOW TO PREVENT IT
True Health
FITNESS INSTRUCTOR NATS LEVI TALKS TO ERIN FISHER ABOUT UNREALISTIC BODY IMAGE GOALS AND THE HEALTH SCARE THAT PUT AN END TO HER EXCESSIVE EXERCISING
To the point
ACUPUNCTURE HAS BEEN USED IN TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS. ERIN FISHER LOOKS AT HOW IT CAN BE USED TODAY AS A PATHWAY TO A HEALTHIER BODY AND MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Sonia regains her sparkle
SINCE HER STRICTLY BALLROOM BREAKOUT ROLE TO PRIME-TIME TV PRESENTER, SONIA KRUGER HAS COME FULL CIRCLE. SHE TALKS TO PAUL EWART ABOUT DANCING AS MEDITATION, OVERCOMING ANXIETY AND BECOMING A MUMLATER IN LIFE
Gifts of gratitude
MONIQUE MCKENZIE EXPLAINS THAT OUR GRATITUDE TOWARDS OTHERS AFFECTS HOW WE SEE OUR LIVES, AND HAS SOME IDEAS TO SHOW THOSE WE KNOW, AND DON’T KNOW, OUR APPRECIATION
The Naked Chef Bares All
British food hero Jamie Oliver talks to Paul Ewart about his recent weight loss, struggle to find balance and his mission to inspire healthy eating
Breaking Through
From battling the bulge to dealing with professional burnout, Australia’s first lady of comedy, julia morris, opens up to paul ewart about the newfound health revelations shaking up her life
From Nature To Plate
Michelle Grant is committed to educating others about sustainable food consumption. She talks to erin fisher about what we can all do to lead a positive change
Cocktails With A Twist
At Andrea Waters’ London-based bar, you can drink as many cocktails as you please without suffering the next day. She tells Erin Fisher about her vegan and alcohol-free establishment
Calm Within The Chaos
Our busy editor-in-chief Nicky Dewe travels to India and discovers how our mental, physical, and spiritual health are all connected
