We often don’t think too much about the effects of our kindness. Most of us believe that being kind is purely altruistic, but what if there’s more to it? In this blog post, we’ll discuss the surprising and often unconsidered benefits of kindness that you bring to the world.
My goal today is to help you learn why your kindness goes beyond what you see as just a simple act and why helping a stranger can boost your happiness, health, and even your career. Yes, you read that right—kindness might just be your secret superpower!
You won’t look at kindness the same way again. And I want you to be inspired to bring more kindness to the world. Let’s dive in and explore why spreading kindness is the ultimate win-win situation.
1. Kindness Enhances Your Mood Instantly and Perpetually
Do you like to snack on things when you’re feeling down? Well, bad news to be a snack because kindness can boost your mood faster than your favourite snack!
Performing even small acts of kindness releases ‘feel good’ neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Think of the last time you held the door open for someone. Remember how their warm smile made you feel? That’s the power of kindness at work.
Kindness creates a pool of positive emotions that not only uplift your spirit but can be shared with others, creating a positive chain reaction of happiness.
2. The Science of Kindness: A Dose of Happiness
The science backs it up: kindness makes us happier! A survey by the Mental Health Foundation found that 63% of people felt stronger and more energetic after helping others.
Just like how physical movement can boost your physical well-being, kindness works your mental muscle. It’s basically a squat for your mental health! It helps to shift focus away from daily stressors, allowing for an emotional reset.
And who doesn’t need that in today’s stressful world? Say hello to your new free therapy session!
Read more: The Best Timing to Be Kind According to Science
3. Free Health Benefits with Every Smile
Superfoods? Don’t need that. Kindness is the new health elixir!
Studies have shown that acts of kindness can not only reduce blood pressure but also strengthen your immune system.
It’s basically a green smoothie but without the intense blender noise and paying $10 for it after waiting for 10 minutes in a queue. In fact, engaging in simple acts like helping a stranger can reduce levels of stress—a known contributor to aging.
When you’re kind, you literally feed your health. Now that’s what we call a win-win!
4. Kindness as a Networking Superpower
Ever considered kindness as a networking tool? Well, it’s simple: people will naturally gravitate towards those who show genuine empathy and warmth. This opens up doors for opportunities to make unexpected friends, and who knows how important they can become in your life!
Picture this: you strike up a conversation with a stranger on the street, only to find they are in the field you’ve been dreaming to break into. By being kind, you’ve already laid the groundwork for a genuine connection.
5. The Unexpected Joy of Giving
People usually give without expecting anything in return, but kindness has a magic that creates a double lane of joy. The giver experiences as much joy as the receiver, if not more!
Consider how a surprise act of charity, such as paying for someone’s coffee, leaves both parties with an unexpected level of warmth and comfort. Kindness turns giving into receiving, proving that what goes around truly comes around in the best ways imaginable.
Karma wins!
6. Kindness Boosts Personal Growth
At its core, personal growth thrives on challenge and experience—something that kindness readily delivers.
Being kind often requires you to step out of your comfort zone to help strangers, meaning you’d have to engage in self-sacrificing acts.
By being selfless, you’re rewarded by building empathy, patience, and a good understanding of human nature. You’ll broaden your horizons on what people struggle with and how you can do more to help.
7. Kindness at Work: Transform Office Culture
If you’re being kind in the workplace, don’t underestimate the effect it can bring. A little act of kindness between coworkers can go a long way, resulting in increased productivity and a positive work environment.
Whether it’s welcoming a new colleague positively or helping someone meet a tight deadline, kindness at work translates into people giving back in ways you wouldn’t imagine.
People will always remember how you make them feel, and more likely than not, your coworker will have your back when you’re struggling! Invest in workplace relationships early.
Conclusion: Kindness Feeds Into Itself
The truth about kindness is that it is a revolving door that is fundamental to both happiness and social harmony. It feeds into itself, and creates an endless cycle that further amplifies as time goes on.
So step through that door, and witness how your kindness can change the world around you.