Can Being Kind Help Mental Health? The Surprising Benefits You Need to Know

Many of us feel the positive benefits of kind acts in our own lives. We may feel a transitory glow of warmth or happiness when we either perform or receive acts of kindness. But can these acts of kindness lead to lasting mental health benefits? Let's take a closer look at whether research backs up the idea that kind acts have a positive impact on mental and physical health.

The Power of Kindness

Most of us understand intrinsically that kindness is a good thing. It makes us feel good. But are there any evidence-based benefits to kind acts? Research shows that yes, acts of kindness have been linked to beneficial outcomes.

Reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Helping others can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, leading to an improvement in your own mental health outcomes. Social connection can be one of the strongest protective factors for health and wellness.

Volunteering and performing acts of kindness can create a sense of belonging and increase these social connections. In addition, kindness can even lead to increased feelings of happiness and well-being.

Improves self esteem and overall well-being.

Acts of kindness can increase self-esteem and overall well-being, and practicing kindness can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Kindness can even lead to increased life satisfaction and happiness.

Helps to keep things in perspective and reduce anxiety.

Focusing on others through acts of kindness can help keep things in perspective and reduce anxiety. Seeing that you aren't the only one dealing with stress and difficult times can help you to feel a sense of social connection, and not feel so alone in your challenges. Kind acts can also increase feelings of gratitude and optimism, which studies show can reduce stress.

The Science Behind Kindness

Evidence suggests kindness can improve mental health outcomes.

Research has shown that performing acts of kindness can improve mental health outcomes, including reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Because social connectedness can reduce stress, kindness can even increase lifespan and improve physical health and wellbeing.

A study of UK adults who practice kindness report improved mental health, with 63% reporting improved mental health when shown kindness by others.

Kindness may even increase lifespan and improve physical health.

Studies have shown that kindness not only offers mental health benefits, but can also decrease blood pressure, reduce pain, and increase energy, leading to improved physical health. With an increase in life satisfaction and happiness, performing acts of kindness may increase lifespan and lead to overall wellbeing.

How Kindness Affects Our Brain and Behavior

Releases endorphins and stimulates positive emotions.

Acts of kindness release endorphins, stimulating positive emotions. This not only makes us feel good, but can promote learning behaviors that can encourage a sense of empathy and compassion for others. With improved social connections, practicing kindness can then increase feelings of community and empathy and increase overall happiness.

Can lead to a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Practicing kindness can lead to a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment. Fulfillment and purpose can make us feel happier, increase self-esteem and self efficacy in our lives, and even cause us to live longer.

Practicing Kindness in Everyday Life

Simple ways to incorporate kindness into daily routines.

Try performing small, random acts of kindness each day, such as holding the door for someone or buying a stranger’s coffee. Send an "I love you" text to a partner, friend, or family member. These small, random acts of kindness don't have to cost much (if anything) and can add up in mental health benefits.

Acts of kindness don't have to be random acts, either. You can also incorporate kindness into daily routines, such as volunteering on a certain day of the week or scheduling breakfast visits with a lonely elderly neighbor. You can offer a babysitting night to a friend with small children.

Self-kindness matters as well. By practicing acts of kindness for yourself, you can also reap mental and physical health benefits.

The importance of self-kindness and self-care.

Practicing small acts of kindness for yourself and maintaining self-care can help you lower blood pressure, boost mood, and increase happiness. Show self-compassion through incorporating self-kindness into your daily routine. You can practice mindfulness through journaling or meditation, offer yourself little mental breaks throughout the day, enjoy a treat guilt-free, or incorporate healthy lifestyle habits like exercise, outdoor time, and regular sleep.

The potential for kindness to create a more compassionate society.

Kindness has the potential to create a more compassionate society, leading to improved mental health and well-being. World kindness day was launched to educate people around the globe about how practicing kindness can increase feelings of community and empathy, and how social connection improves mental health outcomes.

Offering Acts of Kindness to Yourself in Austin, TX

Small acts of kindness can add up, with increased feelings of happiness, optimism, and empathy. All of us benefit from support networks, and one way to show yourself some kindness is to work with a therapist to manage any stress or challenges in your life.

At Williamsburg Therapy Group, our team of doctoral-level psychotherapists offers both online and in-person sessions to accommodate a busy life, and allow you to work with a provider that can meet your individual therapy needs.

Offering acts of kindness to others can be easier when we are kind to ourselves. If you have been thinking about talking to an Austin therapist for any reason, give us a call today, and our patient coordinator will help you find the right therapist to help you identify any challenges in your life, and offer tools and strategies to manage stress, heal past hurts, and build and maintain healthy relationships.