To be kind will make you healthier in 6 amazing ways.

Kindness and empathy are prerequisites for healthy relationships.?

Show me any quality connection and I promise kindness and empathy are critical ingredients.

We are living in uncertain times and it’s easy to let opinions obscure common decency.

People that assume they possess "absolute truth" shoving their opinions down other people’s throats. Many people believe they have the gift of exclusivity when it comes to knowledge.

Without kindness and empathy, it’s easy to let anger serve as a substitute which leads to unhealthy communication, bitterness and division.?

In the process, we miss an opportunity to resolve complex problems that require cooperation, honesty and resolve. Instead, we argue about ambiguous "ideas" that promote tribalism and hostility.

We are at a point in human history where people need to challenge themselves to be kind and exercise empathy, especially political leaders.?

Kindness is the key to promoting better conflict resolution, and it also encourages better health!

“Ask yourself: Have you been kind today? Make kindness your modus operandi & change your world.” – Annie Lennox

Here are 6 amazing ways being kind will improve your health:

Natural high

When we give, express kindness and generosity, we feel great.?It’s not a coincidence, its science.?When we do nice things, it stimulates pleasure centers in our brain as our body releases serotonin.??Altruism also generates a flood of endorphins, much like when we exercise.?It’s called the helpers high.?

Lower anxiety

Anxiety is on the rise. It can be mild or escalate into a manic state.?Although meditation, exercise and long walks can reduce anxiety, being nice works just as well.?Studies on happiness from the University of British Columbia showed people that were kind experienced more positive moods like joy and alertness.?Small acts of kindness are great for relieving anxiety.??

Healthy heart

Being kind releases a hormone called oxytocin.?Secretion of this hormone dilates blood vessels which lowers blood pressure.?Turns out, being kind is good for our heart, not only figuratively but literally.?The physical and emotional benefits of being kind are well documented.??

“Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind.” – Eric Hoffer

Longevity

Scientific research has concluded people without a close network of family and friends have a greater risk of heart disease and other health related problems.?Being kind promotes stronger relationships and improves longevity.

Lower stress

Stress is a silent killer, and it’s prevalent today.?Job loss,?COVID 19,?civil unrest,?political turmoil and?financial uncertainty.?These factors increase stress, and many people aren’t managing it well.?Lockdowns also had a major impact on people's social interaction, which is critical for reducing stress.?Research shows engaging in prosocial behavior is a perfect antidote for reducing stress.?Smiling,?laughing and sharing stimulating conversation are keys for keeping stress under control.????

Preventative medicine

Inflammation is associated with a plethora of health problems, including diabetes, cancer, chronic pain, and migraines.?One study showed that people who volunteered had lower levels of inflammation, which they attributed to a steady stream of oxytocin. ??Being kind keeps the natural chemicals in our body flowing smoothly and that is great preventative medicine.??

“You will never have a completely bad day if you show kindness at least once.” – Greg Henry Quinn

Sum it up

Are you making kindness a critical part of your health regiment??Share your thoughts in the comments section and please like and share this article. I love learning from you as well.

About Steve:

Steve Wohlenhaus is CEO of Weatherology, the leading company in the world at disseminating audio weather information.??Steve began his career as a major market television weather anchor in Minneapolis, where he received several Emmy Awards for science programming.?Steve is an author and host of the podcast program Anatomy of Success.?Reach out and connect with me on LinkedIn.?Learn more about my work and grab the free Weatherology mobile app by clicking any picture in this article!