Try A Little Kindness

Why Being Good to Others Is Beneficial in So Many Ways

- Donna Fleming

Quotes about being kind to others probably pop up dozens of times every day on your social media feeds. You know, stuff like: “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness” (Dalai Lama), and “Kindness and politeness are not overrated at all, they’re underused” (Tommy Lee Jones). And then there’s Lady Gaga who once said, “I’ve been searching for ways to heal myself and I’ve found that kindness is the best way.”

The Poker Face singer is on to something there. She may have been talking about being kind to herself, which is important, but it also turns out that being thoughtful to others is not only a nice thing to do for them, but it can be good for your health.

Studies have shown that when you do something nice for somebody else, it can have an effect on the way your body functions, resulting in great benefits. Here’s what kindness can do:

Being kind can make you happier

Thoughtful acts have biological consequences. When you do something nice for someone, your brain releases feel-good hormones, such as oxytocin, the “love hormone”, and dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of satisfaction and wellbeing. These substances can produce natural highs, making us feel happy.