Why random acts of kindness are good for you
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 "cardio protective" hormone. It protects the heart by lowering blood pressure.
Research reveals that doing good deeds, or kind acts, can make socially anxious people feel better. For four weeks, the University of British Columbia researchers assigned people with high levels of anxiety to do kind acts for other people at least six times a week. The acts of kindness included things like holding the door open for someone, doing chores for other people, donating to charity, and buying lunch for a friend. The researchers found that doing nice things for people led to a significant increase in people's positive moods. It also led to an increase in relationship satisfaction and a decrease in social avoidance in socially anxious individuals.
This site has a very long list of ideas of what you could do. Below are two of them:
Smile at five strangers
Smile at 5 strangers today! A sincere smile can really make a positive difference in someone’s day. Without saying a word you are letting that person know that you see them and that they matter. People appreciate being noticed and acknowledged! As Plato once said, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Encourage five strangers today by giving them each a smile!
Confidence sticky notes
Leave sticky notes with inspirational messages on them in random places, such as a grocery store shelf, the mirror in a public bathroom, or on a car's windshield.
*If you would like to find out more about how ideas like this can influence your organisation to achieve more, click here for more information.
*Mariane Vorster is a life and business coach. Her passion and focus is on providing strategic leadership development, concentrating on the transfer of skills and knowledge. Click here to get in touch with Mariane.