Kindness Increases
THE LOVE HORMONE
Witnessing acts of kindness produces oxytocin, occasionally referred to as
the ‘love hormone’ which aids in lowering blood pressure and improving our
overall heart-health. Oxytocin also increases our self-esteem and optimism,
which is extra helpful when we’re in anxious or shy in a social situation.
ENERGY
“About half of participants in one study reported that they feel stronger
and more energetic after helping others; many also reported feeling calmer and
less depressed, with increased feelings of self-worth” Christine
Carter, UC Berkeley, Greater Good Science Center
HAPPINESS
A 2010 Harvard Business School survey of happiness in 136 countries found
that people who are altruistic—in this case, people who were generous
financially, such as with charitable donations—were happiest overall.
LIFESPAN
“People who volunteer tend to experience fewer aches and pains. Giving help
to others protects overall health twice as much as aspirin protects against
heart disease. 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. This is a
stronger effect than exercising four times a week or going to church.”
Christine Carter, Author, “Raising Happiness; In Pursuit of Joyful Kids
and Happier Parents”
PLEASURE
According to research from Emory University, when you are kind to another
person, your brain’s pleasure and reward centers light up, as if you were the
recipient of the good deed—not the giver. This phenomenon is called the
“helper’s high.”
SEROTONIN
Like most medical antidepressants, kindness stimulates the production of
serotonin. This feel-good chemical heals your wounds, calms you down, and
makes you happy!
Kindness Decreases
PAIN
Engaging in acts of kindness produces endorphins—the brain’s natural
painkiller!
STRESS
Perpetually kind people have 23% less cortisol (the stress hormone) and age
slower than the average population!
ANXIETY
A group of highly anxious individuals performed at least six acts of
kindness a week. After one month, there was a significant increase in positive
moods, relationship satisfaction and a decrease in social avoidance in
socially anxious individuals. University of British
Columbia Study
DEPRESSION
Stephen Post of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine found
that when we give of ourselves, everything from life satisfaction to self-
realization and physical health is significantly improved. Mortality is
delayed, depression is reduced and well-being and good fortune are
increased.
BLOOD PRESSURE
Committing acts of kindness lowers blood pressure. According to Dr. David
R. Hamilton, acts of kindness create emotional warmth, which releases a
hormone known as oxytocin. Oxytocin causes the release of a chemical called
nitric oxide, which dilates the blood vessels. This reduces blood pressure
and, therefore, oxytocin is known as a “cardioprotective” hormone. It protects
the heart by lowering blood pressure.
