Benefits of Kindness

Benefits of Kindness

Kindness is a very important and impactful value both for the giver and recipient and delivers both physical and mental health benefits. Dr Dimitrios Paschos, Consultant Psychiatrist at Re:Cognition Health shares his insight into the benefits we can all reap by spreading kindness:

Kindness is a selfless act and leads to happiness and contentment, in fact studies have indicated that people who are happy are kinder than those who are unhappy. 

Kindness promotes gratitude, empathy and compassion. Neurochemicals are released when we perform acts of kindness creating a “helper’s high” feeling as well as releasing feel-good hormones such as serotonin, dopamine and endogenous opioids which help to improve mood and even reduce pain.

We become more connected with people when we display acts of kindness, strengthening friendships and improving our self-esteem. It also can help naturally relieve stress and anxiety. What’s more, kindness is addictive and contagious – the more kind you are, the more you are inclined you will be to continue performing kindness as you experience the benefits. When others witness this kindness, they too are inspired to be kind.

The practice and repetition of kindness makes perfect – join the movement and enjoy the benefits through volunteering, helping others, smiling and saying kind and positive things to others.  The effects are positive and it’s completely free!