Practicing kindness improves mental health, here’s how

Be kind whenever possible, it is always possible. Quotes on kindness are a dime a dozen. But do we truly understand what ‘kindness’ actually means? It is a virtue and a quality of being friendly, considerate, compassionate, and benevolent toward others. It involves showing empathy, understanding, and a genuine desire to help or uplift others without expecting anything in return.

The best part is that kindness can be expressed in different ways, ranging from small gestures of courtesy, like holding the door for someone, to more significant acts of compassion, such as volunteering for a charitable cause or assisting those in need. It involves treating people with fairness, empathy, and goodwill, regardless of their background, beliefs, or circumstances.

Practicing kindness not only benefits the recipient but also brings about positive effects on the person demonstrating kindness. It fosters a sense of connection, strengthens relationships, and promotes a more harmonious and caring society. Kindness can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to pay it forward and creating a chain of positive actions and emotions.

---

“An act of kindness boosts the feeling of confidence, happiness, and optimism. When people are kind, they have lower levels of stress, and their flight or fight response goes down. It also helps to deal with anxiety and depression”

–Dr Shruti Chauhan, a psychotherapist, and mother of a student at Apeejay School, Nerul

---

Did you know that kindness is closely associated with positive well-being and has a significant impact on one’s mental, emotional, and even physical health? According to Dr Shruti Chauhan, a psychotherapist, and mother of a student at Apeejay School, Nerul, there are many specific psychological benefits associated with kindness.

“An act of kindness boosts the feeling of confidence, happiness, and optimism. When people are kind, they have lower levels of stress, and their flight or fight response goes down. It also helps to deal with anxiety and depression; they are happier and deal with lesser mental disorders,” Dr Chauhan explained.

Studies or research have demonstrated the positive effects of kindness on well-being. There are what you can call random acts of kindness, which are selfless acts that are performed by a person wishing to either help or positively affect the emotional state or mood of another person.

“The benefits of this random act of kindness are several; the person is happy, has good mental health, a stronger immune system, and reduces anxiety, stress, and depression. All this ultimately improves relationships and the person lives a longer healthier life,” Dr Chauhan said.

It boosts serotonin and dopamine, which are the neurotransmitters in our brains. “This gives you a feeling of satisfaction and well-being. Once you get that feeling of well-being, it leads to pleasure and the reward centres of your brain light up, uplifting your mood,” Dr Chauhan said.

Kindness can lead to positive well-being

Enhanced social connections: Kindness builds and strengthens relationships. By demonstrating kindness, we foster a sense of trust, empathy, and connection with others. Positive social interactions and supportive relationships are essential for well-being, as they provide a sense of belonging and support during challenging times.

Improved self-worth: Practicing kindness has been associated with improved mental health outcomes. Engaging in acts of kindness can increase feelings of self-worth, purpose, and fulfillment. It can also reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and loneliness by promoting positive emotions and nurturing social connections.

Increased resilience: Kindness can contribute to developing resilience, the ability to cope with and bounce back from adversity. By practicing kindness, individuals can cultivate a positive mindset, build a support network, and develop a sense of purpose and meaning in life, all of which can enhance resilience in the face of challenges.

Physical health benefits: Research suggests that acts of kindness may have physical health benefits. Being kind and engaging in prosocial behaviours have been associated with lower blood pressure, reduced inflammation, and improved cardiovascular health.

How to practice kindness? The first step to cultivating kindness is to be compassionate. “This will make you empathetic towards others and there is no better feeling than this. Show gratitude, be humble and down to earth. Greet everyone with a smile, it increases your face value. Practice active listening. Follow the golden rule: Treat others as you would like them to treat you,” Dr Chauhan said in conclusion.