October 2024 Newsletter

The Psychobiology of Caring

Kindness and caring are prosocial behaviors that build positive interpersonal connections and can uplift both the giver and receiver. Performing acts of kindness releases oxytocin, the feel-good hormone, which increases self-esteem and optimism.

You Can Improve Mental Health with Acts of Kindness

Acts of kindness improve resiliency, increase personal happiness and peace, and promote stronger physical immunity. These benefits result from strengthening your ability to stay grounded during difficult times. The improved immune response contributes to improved physical health as well as mental health.

“Even just witnessing acts of kindness increases the body’s immunity.? Serotonin is also increased which regulates mood in the brain and builds resilience.” -Breazeale & Steinberg, 2012

Values-Based Resiliency in the Workplace available through Niche Academy

Find videos and skills-building exercises inside Values-Based Resiliency in the Workplace, a course for library staff. More information at Values-Based Resiliency in the Workplace

Sonya Schryer Norris

I engage regularly with audiences in person and online. Appearances include the Public Library Association, CORE, Niche Academy, RAILS, Computers in Libraries, California Libraries Learn, PCI Webinars, and the Library of Virginia.