The Effects of Human Kindness
The act of kindness can be expressed in countless ways. A warm hello said to a stranger, giving money to those in need, allowing cars to merge into traffic… all of these are acts of kindness. Kindness may be best expressed as a state of mind. With the holiday season over, and many of us feeling the effects of a far-reaching world disaster, understanding how kindness can help is very important. People you help can see the direct result of your actions, and people who witness your gestures can be touched by what you do. From giving money and time, to the way in which you communicate with friends, family, and co-workers, the ripple effect of kindness is far-reaching.
It is easy to think that kindness is only a "one-way street", but kindness can go both ways. Giving, in and of itself, can be a great reward, but how is the giver affected? The giver can be rewarded in many areas, both psychologically and physically.
Psychological effects of kindness:
At first glance, it is easy to identify how giving or acts of kindness can show positive effects to the giver. Receiving a warm reaction and knowing that you have helped with easing loneliness or helplessness can (and should!) give you personal satisfaction. Maybe it's not that drastic. Maybe you've just "made someone's day, but isn't that enough? A sense of exhilaration and euphoria may add a heightened sense of well-being. The initial reactions from an act of kindness may lead to a sense of connectedness with others. Providing relief and protection also adds to this connection, as most people feel a sense of satisfaction from 'giving' to others.
Physical effects of kindness:
These effects can include a greater sense of calmness and relaxation, which may also ease pain (from headaches to back pain) and may even reduce high blood pressure. They also suggest that other effects of kindness may increase your energy level and can even reduce excessive stomach acid. (Condensed from CIGNA)
The act of kindness can be expressed in countless ways. A warm hello said to a stranger, giving money to those in need, allowing cars to merge into traffic… all of these are acts of kindness. Kindness may be best expressed as a state of mind. With the holiday season over, and many of us feeling the effects of a far-reaching world disaster, understanding how kindness can help is very important. People you help can see the direct result of your actions, and people who witness your gestures can be touched by what you do. From giving money and time, to the way in which you communicate with friends, family, and co-workers, the ripple effect of kindness is far-reaching.
It is easy to think that kindness is only a "one-way street", but kindness can go both ways. Giving, in and of itself, can be a great reward, but how is the giver affected? The giver can be rewarded in many areas, both psychologically and physically.
Psychological effects of kindness:
At first glance, it is easy to identify how giving or acts of kindness can show positive effects to the giver. Receiving a warm reaction and knowing that you have helped with easing loneliness or helplessness can (and should!) give you personal satisfaction. Maybe it's not that drastic. Maybe you've just "made someone's day, but isn't that enough? A sense of exhilaration and euphoria may add a heightened sense of well-being. The initial reactions from an act of kindness may lead to a sense of connectedness with others. Providing relief and protection also adds to this connection, as most people feel a sense of satisfaction from 'giving' to others.
Physical effects of kindness:
These effects can include a greater sense of calmness and relaxation, which may also ease pain (from headaches to back pain) and may even reduce high blood pressure. They also suggest that other effects of kindness may increase your energy level and can even reduce excessive stomach acid. (Condensed from CIGNA)
