The season of giving is upon us, during the most perfect time of year. Everyone seems to be happier, the world is colorful, and the seasonal food is to die for. With the season of giving comes more good deeds, acts of kindness, and compassion, but why? What happens to our body when we do more good things? Keep reading to find out, you will be dying to be the nicest person on the block after this read!

Benefits of being Kind

Have you ever done something really nice, and felt instantly better after? Or wanted to do more good deeds more often? It is because not only is kindness contagious, but it can improve our mood, reduce stress, and build up your compassion. It has been known that kind people age less and have lower stress than the average person because of the positive effects happening in the body daily. It’s a win win! Kindness is centered around Oxytocin, which is also known to be the “love hormone”. When Oxytocin is released, it helps us become more generous and trusting while also lowering our blood sugar, stress, and improving our mood. Oxytocin has also been known to act as a cardio protective hormone that releases another hormone called Nitric Oxide that dilates blood vessels which in return, lowers blood pressure. 

When we perform acts of kindness a neurotransmitter called Dopamine is also released into the brain that can give us a feeling of euphoria and calmness. In addition to releasing Dopamine and Oxytocin, being kind can also release a neurotransmitter called Serotonin, which helps elevate mood! When you choose kindness over being rude to someone, have you ever noticed that it is extremely easy and you feel less anxious regardless of the situation? Not only have you chosen to take the higher route and not let external factors affect you, but it also improves anxiety and depression due to the amount of serotonin being released. 

Now that we have touched on the positive effects of the body, what about the external and physical effects? 

It is obvious that when someone is extremely kind-hearted, that they are more attractive, and attract more kind-hearted people in their life. Like attracts like, and when someone has positive energy to spread, they get it in return as well. When someone has a desirable personality, they become overall more attractive because the inside comes through the outside. Not only does this affect your physical appearance when we are kind, but it increases your self-worth and self-esteem because you are becoming a better person. Overall, when you choose kindness in your life, friendships, and relationships, the world reflects that back to you.

Who is ready to be kind this season and beyond?