The Importance of Kindness at Work

The Science of Kindness

Even though kindness is the simple act of doing something positive toward yourself and others, it can be hugely beneficial mentally, emotionally, and physically. To be kind is generally taught to us by our parents as children. However, as we grow older, kindness isn’t necessarily a topic taught to us as much even though studies have shown that kindness teaching and interventions for teenagers and adults can massively improve behaviour and general well-being.

Applying kindness in our life and environment can have a transformative impact on how we feel as well as on our performance levels. Scientifically, being kind to yourself boosts serotonin levels in your body which is your body’s natural antidepressant. This feel-good chemical heals and calms you down, reduces stress, prevents shame from corroding your sense of identity and helps boost your self-esteem and confidence.

Alternatively, being kind to others is just as important. When you are kind to another person, your brain’s pleasure and reward centres light up. This gives you feelings of satisfaction and well-being, making kindness an antidote for isolation as it creates a sense of belonging. This phenomenon is called the “helper’s high.”

Studies have shown that being kind to others can significantly improve your overall health. Christine Carter, Author, “Raising Happiness; In Pursuit of Joyful Kids and Happier Parents” explains that ‘’People who volunteer tend to experience fewer aches and pains. Giving help to others protects overall health twice as much as aspirin protects against heart disease. People 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organizations have an impressive 44% lower likelihood of dying early, and that’s after sifting out every other contributing factor, including physical health, exercise, gender, habits like smoking, marital status and many more. This is a stronger effect than exercising four times a week or going to church.”

According to ‘’Random Acts of Kindness Foundation’’ Other studies have also proven that kindness improves stress levels, anxiety, depression, and blood pressure:

STRESS - Perpetually kind people have 23% less cortisol (the stress hormone) and age slower than the average population!

ANXIETY - A group of highly anxious individuals performed at least six acts of kindness a week. After one month, there was a significant increase in positive moods and relationship satisfaction.

DEPRESSION - Stephen Post of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine found that when we begin to be kind to ourselves, everything from life satisfaction to self-realization and physical health is significantly improved. Mortality is delayed, depression is reduced and well-being and good fortune are increased.

BLOOD PRESSURE - Acts of kindness create emotional warmth, which releases a hormone known as oxytocin. Oxytocin causes the release of a chemical called nitric oxide, which dilates the blood vessels. This reduces blood pressure and, therefore, oxytocin is known as a “cardioprotective” hormone. It protects the heart by lowering blood pressure