Kindness happens when someone is nice to, does something nice for or generally shows caring towards someone else. It’s often one of the first things that we teach young children when they are learning how to get along with others at school. And it may actually be easier for young children to be kind because they tend not to see themselves as being separate from or even “up against” the rest of the world. Kindness is, however, good for everyone, and here are just a few reasons why:
- Kindness brings people together. Whether it creates a friendship between two people, or brings a whole community out to complete a project, kindness allows people to become closer to one another. And when people have more social ties, they tend to be happier and healthier. Also, when one person sees you being kind, they are more likely to be kind to someone else.
- Kindness makes you happier. When you do something nice for someone else, they feel good, and, it turns out, that you will feel happier, too. One study found that the more acts of kindness people performed, the happier they felt.
- Kindness can reduce your stress. Being kind to others can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. This could be because it increases our ties to others or because it increases happiness.
- Kindness has positive effects on your health. Studies show that when you are kind to others, your body releases the hormone oxytocin. This powerful hormone can then cause the release of other chemicals in your body that lower your blood pressure and help to keep your heart healthy. Kindness also reduces inflammation in the body, which can help keep you from getting sick.
Being kind not only creates a better world where everyone is closer and kinder, it is also just plain good for you! What a great way to start the new year with a resolution that will help you be happier and healthier, is free, and is something that you can share with your kids: “Be kind”.
Resources used:
6 Science Backed Ways Being Kind is Good for Your Health
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Text: © Kids In Transition to School 2019
Image: © Anastasiia Stiahailo | Dreamstime.com