By: Karen Edwards, Ph.D.
The Benefits of Kindness
Laurus College has launched a one-of-a-kind, interactive Kindness Corner exclusively for students and faculty to share messages of encouragement and positivity.
Does the impact of the pandemic have you feeling down? Are you having a tough time and need some positive encouragement? Would you like to share some words of encouragement or share a positive story? There’s no better time than now to share a little kindness with others.
What is kindness and why is it important?
Kindness is defined as “affection, gentleness, warmth, concern, and care.” Simple acts of kindness (like offering a compliment) can make a difference in your life and the lives of others. According to a recent study, “being kind to ourselves or to anyone else — yes, even a stranger — or actively observing kindness around us boosted happiness.” We could all use a little kindness during these difficult and uncertain times. In addition, kindness can be contagious! Just one act of kindness can even have a “domino effect,” affecting a whole community.
There are also health benefits to kindness. Here are just a few, courtesy of www.randomactsofkindness.org:
- Less Pain: Kindness produces endorphins, the brain’s natural painkiller.
- Less Stress: Kind people have fewer stress hormones (known as cortisol) and age slower.
- Positive Mindset: Kindness can significantly increase positive moods and relationship satisfaction.
- Longer Life: Researchers have proven that kind people often have longer, happier lives!
- Reduced Blood Pressure: Studies show that kindness lowers blood pressure by producing oxytocin, a heart-protecting hormone.
Spread kindness when and where you can in the world. As the ancient Greek storyteller, Aesop once said, “No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted.” What you do today can have an amazing and positive impact on yourself and others.
References
“The Science of Kindness,” Random Acts of Kindness, Accessed April 10, 2020, https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/the-science-of-kindness.
Melissa Brodrick, “The Heart and Science of Kindness,” Harvard Health Blog, April 19, 2019, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-heart-and-science-of-kindness-2019041816447.
50 Kind Things To Do
We challenge you to perform as many kind deeds as you can via the Laurus College Kindness Checklist!
These acts of kindness can also be done virtually, through FaceTime, Facebook, Zoom – just to name a few!
Please remember to practice social distancing :)
(Click here to access the list!)