In a Sesame Workshop survey, 86 percent of teachers and 70 percent of parents admitted to worrying that the world is an unkind place for children.
Indeed, this world can sometimes seem cruel and cold, but there’s a growing trend to ‘Be Kind.’ People all over the world are recognizing the importance of spreading kindness.
It isn’t difficult to lend a helping hand, but one simple act can have a profound effect. Continue reading to learn about the fantastic benefits of spreading kindness.
What Are Acts Of Kindness?
In the fast-paced environment we live in today, kindness can often be overlooked in favor of what is urgent or trending. But don’t underestimate the power of committing to a life of kindness in words and action.
To practice kindness is more than a simple act. It’s a humble spirit of love and helpfulness that effortlessly brings positivity and joy everywhere you go.
True kindness is giving without expecting anything in return, and it can manifest in an infinite number of ways. Good examples of kindness include:
- Giving compliments or gifts
- Volunteering
- Helping a friend or family member
- Giving up your seat on the bus
- Donate money to those in need
Being kind isn’t about reinventing the wheel. Even a simple smile to a stranger is a beautiful way to spread kindness.
The action is not necessarily important. It’s the spirit with which you do it that matters.
There is always an opportunity to be kind online too. Social media can be toxic, but platforms can be a positive force for change if used correctly. Here at Youtopia, we encourage a positive environment where users can share their insights, ideas for change, and inspiring experiences.
The Amazing Health Benefits Of Spreading Kindness
Being kind usually benefits the receiver, but science suggests that it’s actually better to give than receive. There’s science behind that warm fuzzy feeling.
A selfless act of giving creates positivity in your mind and body. Among other health benefits, it’s understood that spreading kindness can strengthen our immune system, improve our cardiovascular profile, and can also act as an anti-inflammatory to reduce pain.
We’re living in challenging times, but each one of us has the power to light up the world with a simple act of kindness. Let’s look at some more significant benefits of kindness.
It’s Good For Your Mental Health
Engaging in acts of kindness boost levels of serotonin, which is the neurotransmitter responsible for general satisfaction and positive mood. Your endorphin levels also rise when you are kind, so don’t be surprised if you’re feeling good after.
People who practice kindness regularly suffer from stress less. Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone, and the people spreading kindness were found to have 23 percent less cortisol than the general population. Scientists believe in the power of kindness and suggest it can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Being kind can do wonders for your self-esteem, and one simple act can make someone’s day. You can find plenty of evidence of this on YouTube. Viral videos made authentically, from YouTubers such as BigDawsTv, are viewed by millions and inspire people to be kind.
Remember that the internet can be dark, but it can also be used in a beautiful way.
There Are Health Benefits Too
Evidently, being kind will benefit your mental well-being. And it can also provide a significant boost to your physical health.
Spreading kindness has been shown to decrease blood pressure and can also extend your lifespan. Author Christine Carter Ph.D. asserts that volunteering for two or more organizations has “a stronger effect than exercising four times a week.” It’s also understood that people who show kindness feel more energetic afterward.
Ultimately, what is good for others will also be good for yourself, because all humans are intrinsically linked. For example, if a family member is sick and depressed, it is likely to impact the well-being of the whole family. This continues to spread outward in a chain effect, and that’s why it’s so important to be kind.
Begin with kindness to yourself because you cannot offer to others what you do not have for yourself.
The Ripple Effect Is Real
Be kind, and you’ll inspire others to be kind too. They’ll be keen to pay it forward in a heartwarming domino effect.
It’s clear that spreading kindness benefits the receiver and the giver. But it has the power to go much further than that. In Spain, a workplace study showed that employees who received kindness paid it forward with 278 percent more kind behavior than the control group.
Tibet’s spiritual leader His Holiness The Dalai Lama has inspired hundreds of millions of people with his infinite compassion and kindness. He once said, “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”
We can never truly know the countless effects of one small act of kindness, such as phoning up a friend in their hour of need. Just remember that positive actions breed positive results.
Benefitting Others Means Benefitting Yourself
To put it in simple terms, acts of kindness mean everyone wins. It’s a kind spirit that does not require hard work or much energy but has the potential to change the world.
Like the ‘Butterfly Effect,’ the power of kindness is beyond the mind’s comprehension. It’s a wonder of the world, and you’ll find no disadvantages to treating others with generosity and warmth.
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