The Science of Random Acts of Kindness
In amongst the hectic hustle of our gruelling schedules, random acts of kindness hone the ability to move us on a deeper level. There’s a sense of fulfilment and healing to be found in even the simplest of acts. Here’s the Science of Random Acts of Kindness.
Spiritually and emotionally, we feel uplifted and somewhat strengthened. It’s essentially contagious. Being kind to both yourself and others can, in fact, boost your well-being, but now, there is actual science to back up one of humankind’s most cherished social currencies. When we give and receive kindness, we open ourselves to a world of possibilities.
Here’s what we cover in this guide:
Feel-Good Chemicals
Connections With Others
The ‘Love’ Hormone
Longer Lifespan
Energy Levels
3 Tips to Get Started
Examples of Random Acts of Kindness
It boosts those feel-good chemicals.
Thank you, serotonin. Like an antidepressant, performing random acts of kindness stimulates the production of our favourite feel-good chemical, serotonin.
Not only does it have the potential to calm you down and boost your well-being, but a 2010 Harvard Business School survey found that people who practised generosity in charitable donations were happiest overall in 136 countries.
A unique sensation of positive sentiments submerges whenever we do something kind. It simply feels good, and it does us good.
Also known as a ‘helper’s high’, this particular rush of satisfaction that ignites the brain’s reward systems does drive pro-social behaviour. As stated in research from Emory University, when you do a good deed for another person, your brain’s pleasure and rewards centres react positively, as if you were the recipient of the good deed.
It creates connections with others.
On a psychological level, kind deeds allow us to make connections with others, which in turn contributes to our fundamental need to belong and relate.
Why choose kindness? Every social interaction has the potential for both positive and negative outcomes, but an act of kindness creates a moment of human connection.
Showing kindness enhances the way people perceive and embrace you, which ultimately leads to better social connections and a greater sense of belonging. This fosters stronger community bonds and cultivates greater levels of trust among individuals.
It boosts the love hormone.
What does science say about random acts of kindness? According to psychotherapist Dr. Tara Cousineau, kindness is ‘‘love in action’’.
Another one of the many benefits of kindness include increased levels of oxytocin. That specific feeling of satisfaction lights up both the pleasure and rewards systems in the brain.
Also pinned as the ‘love hormone’, this chemical can boost our self-esteem, trust, and optimism, as well as reduce fear and anxiety in social situations.
According to Dr. David R. Hamilton, acts of kindness also have the potential to improve our overall heart health and lower blood pressure.
Say what now? Get your science goggles on, ‘cause it’s about to go down. Essentially, oxytocin releases nitric oxide, which is a chemical that dilates blood vessels and therefore, can reduce blood pressure.
It promotes a lengthier lifespan.
Particularly for the elderly age group, pro-social behaviour can contribute to longevity.
In a study from KindLab, researchers found that kindness can lower the effects of stress.
Offering help to others lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and eventually promotes slower ageing.
In Sarah Tashjiian’s 2018 article, Does it pay to be kind?, she identifies that kindness can lead to reductions in risks for disease.
It’s a natural energy booster.
Why is it important to do random acts of kindness? Practicing kindness can bump up your energy levels and lead to psychological flourishing.
When performed out of the goodness of your own heart, regular generous acts can lead us to a deeper sense of fulfilment in our lives. In turn, it provokes profound connection and engagement in the pursuit of a more authentic life.
In one study by Christine Carter, around half of the participants ‘‘reported feeling stronger and more energetic after helping others’’.
Tips to Get Started
It all begins with yourself.
To be kind to others, first, we need to learn to be kind to ourselves. Daily, most individuals are battling with their inner dialogue, torn between taunting memories of the past or twisted worries about the future. The key to getting started is nestled in self-compassion.
We can benefit from many positive possibilities once we learn to harness all the elements that make self-compassion (mindfulness, self-kindness, and common humanity). From reducing depression and anxiety to building our resilience and optimism, self-compassion generates an enticing array of opportunities. Beginning with the intention and effort to befriend ourselves is a great starting point.
Nurture your kindness instincts.
Although some of us are more empathetic than others, we are all born with an instinct for kindness and compassion. Referred to as the “sympathy instinct” by Charles Darwin, he suggested that it is, in fact, this very trait that helped the human species not only to survive but flourish. On a biological basis, our nervous systems have evolved over time to have a highly attuned sensitivity regarding caring about others.
Learning to cultivate and strengthen your natural instincts of kindness and compassion can happen when we intentionally redirect our energy. Apart from focusing our attention on the positive aspects of humanity, we can additionally nurture these traits through loving-kindness meditation, which involves closing your eyes, thinking of and sending someone you love wishes of well-being and love, and then repeating affirmations.
Look for different ways to be kind.
Finding different ways of cultivating more kindness in our lives can sometimes prove quite challenging. Take the first step by starting small. As they say in Spanish, ‘‘poco a poco’’, or ‘‘little by little’’. So what exactly is a random act of kindness? From helping out an elderly neighbour, dishing out generous compliments, practising self-care, listening to a friend who needs to talk, reflecting on gratitude, donating to a charity, or finding other ways to be of service, there are myriad possibilities to get started today with the gift of kindness.
Examples of Random Acts of Kindness
Compliment someone on something they’ve accomplished recently
Write a handwritten card to someone
Give a warm meal to a homeless person
Compliment someone on their personality trait that you admire the most
Leave a positive restaurant review online
Be there for a friend when they’re struggling
Donate unused clothes, books, and other items to a charity
Cook dinner for your friends
Give small gifts (i.e. plants, books, art, etc.)
Introduce two people who you think would get along well
Pick up trash and put it in the bin
Keep packs of toothpaste or packs of socks in your bag to give to homeless people
Give your time to someone else
Text a friend to share your appreciation for something they did for you
Let someone cut in front of you in line
Give up your seat on the plane to let a couple or family sit together
Spend time at a local retirement home
Support your friends at their events (graduation, musical performance, etc.)
Share a podcast or article with somebody who might be interested
Hold the door open for the person that’s walking behind you
Give directions to someone who is lost or help to show them the way
So, do random acts of kindness really make a difference? Being kind to others not only boosts our well-being but can create more fulfilment and connection within our lives. The Science of Random Acts of Kindness states that both the giver and receiver can benefit immensely on a psychological, social, and biological level. The case for kindness thereby helps us to be more authentic in our pursuit of happiness throughout the ups and downs of our everyday lives.
How have you shown kindness to someone today?