6 The health perks of choosing KINDNESS Chances are, you’ve heard about the power of kindness — the way a simple act can spread positivity to people around you. Did you know that practicing kindness is actually good for your health — both mentally and physically? It’s true. It can be hard to choose kindness sometimes, especially in a world that doesn’t seem to. But it’s still worth it to try. Here’s why. How healthy is kindness? Practicing acts of kindness is a healthy habit. It boosts your endorphins — the feel-good chemicals in your body — and hormones like oxytocin, which help reduce stress, anxiety, and pain; elevate your mood; and make you feel happier and more optimistic. Plus, oxytocin triggers the release of nitric oxide, a chemical that may help: • Lower blood pressure • Reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke • Protect your brain from dementia • Reduce inflammation • Boost your immune system • Slow aging Research on volunteering has shown that the act of giving back can increase brain power by supporting the learning and memory centers in the area of the brain called the hippocampus. This can help you stay sharper as you age. There’s even a link between choosing kindness and having more self-confidence and a greater sense of purpose in life. This may be because spreading kindness helps build stronger relationships. And by choosing kindness, you’re modeling compassion and gratitude for others, which can inspire them to follow suit.
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