I came across an article the other day from almost three years ago and it said that a person who does an act of kindness for another person receives many health and psychological benefits. Not only does the receiver reap the benefits of the kind act from the giver but also the health and psychological benefits as well. But something more incredible to share with you is that when a person is a witness to an act of kindness (a.k.a. a bystander) the observer also gets health and psychological benefits as well! It's a win-win-win situation all around.
These benefits include the following:
1. A boost of serotonin increases, which is the calming and "feel good" hormone which in return, helps tackle depression.
2. Research also finds that acts of kindness help alleviate stress, chronic pain, and insomnia.
3. It also helps a person feel happy, become more joyful and increases self-worth.
Harvard University calls this phenomenon the "Mother Teresa Effect" after its researchers conducted a study on 132 Harvard students and showed them clips of Mother Teresa helping the poor people of Calcutta. Their saliva was tested and they found increased levels of Immunoglobin A, which is an antibody that plays a critical role in immunity. So, in other words, people who do, receive and even witness acts of kindness, help their bodies become healthier.
So what can we do to display acts of kindness every day? Here are a few suggestions:
These benefits include the following:
1. A boost of serotonin increases, which is the calming and "feel good" hormone which in return, helps tackle depression.
2. Research also finds that acts of kindness help alleviate stress, chronic pain, and insomnia.
3. It also helps a person feel happy, become more joyful and increases self-worth.
Harvard University calls this phenomenon the "Mother Teresa Effect" after its researchers conducted a study on 132 Harvard students and showed them clips of Mother Teresa helping the poor people of Calcutta. Their saliva was tested and they found increased levels of Immunoglobin A, which is an antibody that plays a critical role in immunity. So, in other words, people who do, receive and even witness acts of kindness, help their bodies become healthier.
So what can we do to display acts of kindness every day? Here are a few suggestions:
- Smile at strangers … especially those who are having a bad day
- Volunteer your time to do charity work or help wherever there’s need
- Watch movies that display kindness
- Write a note to let someone know they are loved
- Give compliments often
- Give up your place in line to another person
- Donate blood
- Write a thank-you note, especially to someone who’s not expecting thanks
This makes so much sense now! I feel amazing after I watch awesome videos of people helping others. I didn't know why but I didn't bother to question it because it was a positive thing in my life. From now on, knowing and learning more about this positive reaction, I'm going to share positive things only, because I love my friends and family and I want them to live happy and long lives.
Let's help each other by posting on social media positive, motivating, and helpful things. I dare you!
By the way, share this article with your friends and family as well.
Thanks for reading,
Mayra :)
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