If you want to make the world a better place, feel good about yourself and get that feel-good hormone boost, try to be kind to others and pay it forward. Paying it forward involves responding to one person’s kindness to oneself by being kind to someone other than that person who was kind to you originally.
Research shows that people who were kind towards others felt more happy than before.
Mental And Physical Health Benefits Of Being Kind And Paying It Forward:
- Random acts of kindness may make people feel helpful, optimistic, productive and boosts self-esteem which challenges feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
- It affects reward centre of the brain and you get a rush of happy hormones endorphins
- It increases serotonin release which is the body’s natural feel-good chemical
- It increases dopamine release which is also a feel good chemical that connects sensations of pleasure to particular behaviours
- It can also increase oxytocin release which is a hormone that makes us feel connected with other people and trust other people
It helps to reinforce sense of belonging which can tackle feelings of loneliness and isolation - Due to its emotional benefits it is sometimes used as a part of depression and anxiety treatment which is why professionals advise their clients to volunteer or do community service
- Being kind to others encourage others to be kind to us therefore improving our support networks
- It may change our perspective of our life circumstances to a more positive outlook
It decreases levels of stress hormone cortisol in our bodies which lead to overall well being - It makes you feel stronger sense of purpose and meaning as you don’t just wait for good things to happen but make them happen yourself
- Doing good makes other people happy and grateful therefore making the world a better place
- Making someone happy makes you feel good about yourself
- Feelings of happiness after being kind are contagious therefore sets an example for others to do good
Ways To Be Kind And Pay It Forward:
- Compliment others
- Smile at others
- Use gratitude and apology phrases
- Help others by volunteering or doing community service
- Do good things during your daily routine like holding a door for a stranger, pay for groceries for the person next in line, help coworker with a project
- Listen to people as many people lack someone who would just listen to him/her
- Stay connected with your parents and friends by calling them or sending a text
- Be optimistic as it is contagious