Acts of kindness and your health
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Have you ever paid for someone’s coffee in the line at McDonald’s? How did it make you feel to give? Have you ever been on the receiving end of the giving gesture? Did it make you want to keep spreading positivity? Simple acts of kindness make people feel good. But can simple acts of kindness on a regular basis improve your health? Research suggests that acts of kindness can improve your health in many different ways. During this time of crisis in relation to coronavirus, you can help yourself by helping others. Helping others is an effective way to improve your emotional health. Research proves that the ability to bounce back from adversity or a crisis is linked to having a sense of purpose and giving support to others. Some even suggest that the best anti-anxiety medication is the act of generosity (Doyne, 2020). Acts of giving improve well-being and are beneficial not only to the receiver but the giver as well. |
Health benefits of kindness or giving without the expectation of something in return
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Evidence has been available for many years in regards to the positive physical and mental benefits of giving. A study done in 2001 concluded that those who volunteer had a greater sense of purpose in their life and lower risks of poor physical health. It also determined those that give without the expectation of something in return, reported higher levels of happiness, life satisfaction and self-esteem. This group also reported lower levels of depression and anxiety (Corporation for National and Community Service, 2007). |
Acts of kindness at a distance
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The challenge of giving during the coronavirus outbreak is that it has to be done from a distance. Acts of kindness can be small or large, but the good news is, there is a lot that can be done from a distance. Here are a few examples: | • | Making a phone call – call a friend or family member that you haven’t spoke to in a while or call a colleague and ask how they’re finding the change in routine | | • | Giving advice | | • | Lend a listening ear | | • | Donate money to a cause or a charity | | • | Donating time to a cause | | • | Prepping meals or donating food to those in need | | • | Send a motivational text to someone that is struggling | | • | Spend time with your pets, take them for a walk | | • | Offer support to vulnerable neighbors | | • | Arrange a video lunch to a friend, co-worker or family member | | • | Donate to a food bank | | • | Offer to share a skill via video: art, guitar lessons, etc. |
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During the current coronavirus crisis, have you heard about any acts of generosity? Remember acts of kindness makes everybody feel good. No act of kindness or giving is too small to make a difference. So remember to give, it is not only good for the soul, it is good for your health. |
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