A LIST OF POSITIVE EFFECTS OF KINDNESS ON OUR MENTAL HEALTH

Pain – kindness releases endorphins in the brain. It’s a natural painkiller.

Stress – kind people age slower and have lower stress than the average person.

Anxiety & Depression – kindness improves mood, depression and anxiety. Kindness stimulates the production of serotonin which heals wounds, calms and increases happiness.

Blood Pressure – kindness helps release oxytocin, a ‘cardio protective’ hormone that releases another chemical called ‘nitric oxide in the body that dilates blood vessel, thus reducing blood pressure.

Pleasure – elevated levels of dopamine in the brain causes pleasure/reward centres to light up. This is known as the ‘helpers high.’

Self-Worth – kindness can make us not just feel good about ourselves, but begin to believe in ourselves, increasing our self-worth.

Relationships – kindness helps improve relationships by reducing the distance between individuals.