Kindness
for mental health
Kindness has a profound effect on both our physical and mental wellbeing. Here we delve into the science of kindness, and discover ways you can enjoy a kinder 2019 Writing | Kat Nicholls
H
umans are hard-wired for kindness. After we’re born, we rely entirely on the support of our caregivers. This is actually pretty unique, as other mammals rely on their parents for only a brief period before becoming self-reliant. Us humans, well, we need a little more time. With caregiving nestled into our DNA, it should come as no surprise that being kind benefits us physically and mentally. It’s nature’s way of congratulating us for doing what we need to do to survive.
Physically, kindness is excellent for us. When we practise kindness and compassion, our brain releases oxytocin (also known as the “love hormone”). This causes the release of a chemical called nitric oxide, which lowers our blood pressure and improves heart health. Kindness also affects the vagus nerve, which has the important role of running communication between our brain and organs. When this nerve is responsive, it reduces inflammation and heart diseases. Being kind makes this nerve more
responsive, and even boosts our immune system. Already sold on why being kind is good for you? Well, this is only the tip of the iceberg. Kindness has an incredible effect on our mental health, too. KINDNESS FOR MENTAL HEALTH One of the simplest and yet most powerful effects of kindness is that it makes us happier. A study by Harvard Business School, involving 136 countries, revealed that those Continues >>>
