You may well have been on the receiving end of random acts of kindness without necessarily realising it! Cast your mind back and consider whether there has ever been an instance where someone has helped you out of a tough situation when they could see you were having difficulty? Maybe you have had a situation where a friend simply paid you a compliment out of the blue.
A random act of kindness can be a good deed, caring word, selfless act or small gift. Even a smile can brighten someone’s day.
Something like this can really make a difference to the person on the receiving end of the fandom act of kindness but also on you. You may not be aware that this type of experience can also have a positive impact on your health and overall well-being?
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of doing random acts of kindness.
Encouraging Gratitude
Doing something nice for someone else can make you feel grateful for your blessings. This is especially true when the recipient of your act is less fortunate than you or in a tough spot. When you realise you’re able to give even the smallest bit of yourself to someone else, it can help you to realise how much you have in your own life..
Reducing Stress
Stepping out of ourselves in order to focus on someone else is another great way to gain renewed perspective. Plus, doing good just makes you feel better. It releases “feel-good” hormones and increases your happiness. When you see the impact on someone else of what you have done, your own troubles may seem a bit less burdensome.
Improving Your Mood
Many studies have shown the positive effect on our general mood when we do random acts of kindness. They have found that we feel better about life in general when we do good deeds. Studies show that an improved mood, less anxiety and higher energy levels are all linked to the performance of random acts of kindness. In fact, research has demonstrated that the pleasure and reward centres of the brain actually light up in those who perform these acts in much the same way as they respond in the recipients. It even has a name, and that’s “helper’s high.”
Improving Physical Health
You might even feel physically better when you practice kindness. It’s been shown that endorphins are released in the brain after doing something for someone else. Endorphins are hormones produced in the brain and nervous system. They’re often referred to as natural painkillers for their pain reducing abilities.
Improving Relationships
When you do something nice for another person, they will naturally recall that act with fondness. Random acts of kindness promote good feelings among people and increase and improve our connections. These bonds can lead to better relationships and lasting positive interpersonal results.
These are simply a few of the benefits that come from doing random acts of kindness. Remember, it doesn’t matter how small the gesture. Doing good always makes a positive difference to both the giver and the recipient.
What Random Acts of Kindness will you do this week?