Proven by Science: Kindness Is Good for Your Health

Health-giving hormone release and reduced inflammation are two proven effects

Since I have been ramming the notion of performing daily acts of kindness down your throats for the last twelve days, I thought it was about time to explain why the heck it’s good for you.

It’s okay, you can thank me later!

You see, studies have shown that positive physical effects in our bodies directly result from partaking in activities of kindness.

From the direct impact of more socially-enhanced lives (and mental health) to the medical effects on our hearts, kindness just seems to do a lot of good.

Here are some of the ways in which it has been found to be physically beneficial:

1. Kindness is built into our genes

Since the earliest evidence of humans, relationships were shown to be essential for survival.

According to Dr. David Hamilton:

“…kindness reduces the emotional distance between two people and so we feel more ‘bonded’. It’s something that is so strong in us that it’s actually a genetic thing. We are wired for kindness.

Our evolutionary ancestors had to learn to cooperate with one another. The stronger the emotional bonds within groups, the greater were the chances of survival and so ‘kindness genes’ were etched into the human genome.

So today when we are kind to each other we feel a connection and new relationships are forged, or existing ones strengthened.” — Source

Therefore, the natural side effect of showing kindness to others is stronger and closer relationships.

2. Kindness releases the happy hormones

Two hormones that are closely linked to performing acts of kindness are oxytocin and dopamine.

Oxytocin is most commonly known as an important hormone in pregnancy, birth, and the mother and baby bonding process. The hormone is responsible for creating elevated feelings of love, care, and trust. In a mother, it acts as a vital chemical messenger, instructing the body and stimulating contractions and breast milk release, and generating intense feelings of love and protectiveness.

It is also released when we are physically intimate with another, so is often referred to as the “cuddle hormone”. The feelings of love and trust that are induced bring about greater happiness, calm and well-being.

According to Dr. Waguih William IsHak, a professor of psychiatry at Cedars Sinai Healthcare, studies have shown that acts of kindness can also cause the release of oxytocin. In addition, he says that studies have revealed a link between random acts of kindness and the release of the hormone dopamine, as well as an increase in serotonin.

Dopamine acts as a chemical messenger that brings about feelings of “euphoria” and serotonin is a neurotransmitter known for regulating mood and bringing about greater peace and happiness.

3. Better heart health

A knock-on effect of the release of oxytocin is the benefit it brings to the cardiovascular system.

According to Dr. David Hamilton:

“Oxytocin causes the release of a chemical called nitric oxide in blood vessels, which dilates (expands) the blood vessels. This reduces blood pressure and therefore oxytocin is known as a ‘cardioprotective’ hormone because it protects the heart (by lowering blood pressure). The key is that acts kindness can produce oxytocin and therefore kindness can be said to be cardioprotective.” — Source

So, keep your heart healthy with kindness and cuddles.

4. Slowing down the ageing process

Still on the oxytocin and cardiovascular health fandom train, can we please hear it for oxytocin’s ability to reduce free radicals and inflammation in the cardiovascular system.

Oxidative stress is the result of stress on the physical body, be it mental overload, poor sleep, bad dietary choices, and even exercise. It causes the release of free radicals, which attack our cells, resulting in inflammation, and bring on the effects of ageing faster.

Oxytocin has been shown to reduce free radicals, and thus inflammation.

In addition, research has suggested that there is a strong link between compassion and the activation of the vagus nerve. This nerve is known for regulating heart rate and controlling inflammation. A study that used a Buddhist Loving-Kindness meditation (‘Metta’ in the ancient Indian language, Pali) showed a direct connection between the meditation and the reduction of inflammation, concluding that the cause was due to the activation of the vagus nerve.

Closing thoughts

I think there can be little argument against the fact that being kind is good for you.

In my previous articles on kindness, I spoke about the ripple effect on others of being kind and spreading happiness.

Now, looking at the scientific evidence that performing acts of kindness can give you greater happiness, better heart health, and slow down the ageing process, it is clear that the effects are profound. A good diet and taking regular exercise are, without a doubt, an important part of leading a healthy lifestyle. But kindness acts from within, releasing necessary hormones and improving mental well-being.

Without stimulating the hormonal and emotional responses, diet and exercise are insignificant. So make kindness a part of your health routine, and go conquer 2022!

Thanks for reading! This story is the final one in the #TwelveDaysOfKindness series. You can read the full list here.

In the coming days, I will be announcing the amount raised through reads of this series for The Trussell Trust — helping to feed families in the UK — and making the donation on everyone’s behalf. So, thank you for taking the time.

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