“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” —Dalai Lama
In researching my post on reducing stress I came across some really interesting information. It appears that evidence exists that kindness offers physiological benefits that are the opposite of the effects of stress.
As I stated in previous posts, (link below) stress causes our adrenals to produce the stress hormones, cortisol, and adrenalin. Kindness, on the other hand, results in the production of oxytocin. (aka The Happy Hormone!). Those warm feelings we experience are not just in our heads. Well, they kinda start out in our heads with the chemicals in our brains.
“According to Dr. David R. Hamilton, acts of kindness create emotional warmth, which releases a hormone known as oxytocin. Oxytocin causes the release of a chemical called nitric oxide, which dilates the blood vessels. This reduces blood pressure and, therefore, oxytocin is known as a “cardioprotective” hormone. It protects the heart by lowering blood pressure.”
Wait? So, I can low my blood pressure just by being kind? It appears so! But, there’s more!
Oxytocin has been shown to reduce stress and inflammation in our immune cells as well. And who can’t use a strengthened immune system right now? In addition, it helps to reduce the free radicals that can result in disease!
Frequent hugs are also associated with higher oxytocin levels and lower blood pressure. Just a 20-second hug can trigger a release of oxytocin. A simple friendly exchange like smiling at someone and having them smile back at you works as well! Our hearts actually have oxytocin receptors that can help it to heal from stress-induced damage.
(I guess I better get to hugging! I imagine it still works with a mask on. Although it’s not social distancing, is it?). How ironic. The easiest thing we could have done to strengthen immune function during this horrible pandemic, we were unable to do!)
Oxytocin, produced by the hypothalamus, is a hormone that functions as a neurotransmitter in the brain. In addition to controlling aspects of the reproductive system, childbirth, and lactation, it is considered the driving force behind caregiving and attraction to others. Not only is it released during sex, it is also released during social bonding. It plays a role in establishing and maintaining relationships. Once it hits our brains, it has the power to impact our emotional behaviors including, empathy and compassion; creating feelings of trust and connection.
Kindness also stimulates our other happy hormones like serotonin, and dopamine resulting in feelings of satisfaction and well-being. Serotonin is also responsible for mood regulation and helps to calm our asses down! Most importantly, it helps to reduce the production of stress hormones and we all know what damage those hormones can do! If not, read my last post.
In addition to the biologically healthy effects of kindness and compassion, there are anti-aging benefits as well. While stress can speed up the aging process, acts of kindness can actually slow it down. Basically, kindness and compassion can have powerful biological effects not only on how healthy you are, but how well and how long you live.
A 2019 study published in the Journal of Social Psychology tested whether performing different types of kindness activities impacted happiness. Researchers found that performing kindness activities for a week increased happiness levels in the participants. Clearly, a kindness-happiness relationship exists.
And being kind doesn’t have to cost you money or take too much of your time, although it appears to be well worth it. All you need to do is show a little love and compassion to the folks around you.
So, let’s all set a goal to be kind to people. Some days, it feels challenging. Trust me. I know! But make the effort even if for selfish reasons! Whatever you need to do to establish the habit. Like Nike says, JUST DO IT!
Research has confirmed that kindness and generosity are also contagious.
How about a bonus round? Get this! Studies have also indicated that acts of kindness positively affect both the giver and the receiver! See! If you need a selfish reason, there it is!
If what is going on in the world tells us nothing else, it tells us there is a need for kindness and compassion. Smile at someone scowling. Say good morning to everyone whether they speak to you or not. They heard you!
Surprise someone with a kind gesture they never expected. The nastier they look, the nicer you should be to them. (LOL worst case, you annoy the shit out of them and get a good laugh, which is also healthy for YOU!)
“We all seek a path to happiness,” says Dr. Waguih William IsHak, a professor of psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai. “Practicing kindness toward others is one we know works.”
Last, but certainly not least….
BE KIND TO YOURSELF
Treat yourself the way you would like others to treat you! We are great at beating ourselves up. We have mastered verbally abusing ourselves. We say things to ourselves we would NEVER say to anyone else. It is not just how you treat other people — it is how you extend those same behaviors to yourself as well.
Kindness cannot only positively impact your brain, it can impact your immune function, your heart, and your mortality.
So go ahead, hold that elevator door. Stop pushing that close button! You saw them coming!
Check out Dr. David Hamilton’s FREE course below. Educating all about the power of kindness!
https://david-hamilton.mykajabi.com/thebiologyofkindness