Our society often emphasizes individual high achievement, competition, and financial wealth, sometimes overshadowing the importance of kindness. In fast-paced environments like New York City, for example, it is easy to overlook the value of being kind amidst the relentless focus on professional and financial success. However, kindness holds profound psychological significance, benefiting both the giver and receiver in meaningful ways.
Kindness is more than politeness or friendliness; it embodies compassion, empathy, and genuine selflessness. It appears in small, everyday actions—like holding the door for a stranger, offering a listening ear, or complimenting a colleague. Beyond these gestures, kindness can take deeper forms, such as volunteering, supporting a loved one during difficult times, or advocating for social causes.
One of the most important reasons to practice kindness is the simple fact that we never truly know what someone else is going through. Whether it is a stranger or a close friend, people often conceal their struggles. The world can be harsh, and it needs more kind individuals. Although the impact of kindness may not be immediately visible through data or statistics, it undoubtedly improves both the world and the lives of those who receive it. For instance, studies have shown that experiencing kindness can improve mood, boost confidence, reduce stress, and foster social connectedness through the release of oxytocin (Abrams, 2024). Kindness also inspires empathy in others, creating a ripple effect that encourages people to pass kindness forward (Hamilton, 2013). Altruism is contagious, as people feel inclined to “pay it forward” after experiencing kind
acts (Kumar, 2022).
Kindness benefits not only the receiver but also the giver. Engaging in acts of kindness triggers the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine—the “feel-good” neurotransmitter—and creating a sense of euphoria often referred to as the “helper’s high” (Dossey, 2018). Research demonstrates that people who regularly engage in kind actions report higher levels of life satisfaction and reduced stress (Fryburg, 2021). Furthermore, acts of kindness release oxytocin,
which lowers cortisol levels, the stress hormone, resulting in reduced anxiety and depression (Pay, 2021). Over time, practicing kindness has been associated with improved emotional regulation and decreased depressive symptoms (Nelson-Coffey et al., 2021).
Beyond mental well-being, kindness can also enhance physical health. Research indicates that individuals who engage in random acts of kindness tend to have lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of chronic illnesses (SSM Health, 2022). Oxytocin, released through kind actions, helps reduce inflammation—a factor linked to heart disease (Gutkowska, 2014). Additionally, positive emotions generated by kindness can strengthen the immune system, making individuals more resilient to illness (Nicolaus, 2023). Incorporating kindness into daily life does not require grand or costly gestures. Small actions can have a significant impact, such as:
- Giving a compliment to brighten someone’s day.
- Listening actively without judgment or interruption.
- Offering help to a neighbor or stranger—whether running an errand or helping carry
groceries. - Sending a thoughtful message—a simple text or email to check in with someone can
make them feel valued. - Volunteering time to a cause that matters to you benefits both the recipient and your own
sense of purpose.
These small acts can collectively foster a more compassionate society. In a world often dominated by competition and division, kindness strengthens social bonds, provides a sense of purpose, and serves as a refreshing antidote to the pressures of constant achievement. By embracing kindness, we not only uplift others but also discover that the true reward lies in giving.
References
Abrams, Z. (2021, August 31). The case for kindness. American Psychological Association. Retrieved October 30, 2024, from https://www.apa.org/news/apa/kindness-mental-health
Dossey L. (2018). The Helper’s High. Explore (New York, N.Y.), 14(6), 393–399. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2018.10.003
Fryburg D. A. (2021). Kindness as a Stress Reduction-Health Promotion Intervention: A Review of the Psychobiology of Caring. American journal of lifestyle medicine, 16(1), 89–100. https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827620988268
Gutkowska, J., Jankowski, M., & Antunes-Rodrigues, J. (2014). The role of oxytocin in cardiovascular regulation. Brazilian journal of medical and biological research = Revista brasileira de pesquisas medicas e biologicas, 47(3), 206–214. https://doi.org/10.1590/1414-431X20133309
Hamilton, D. R. (2013, April 10). Kindness Dominos – David R Hamilton PHD. Dr David Hamilton. Retrieved October 30, 2024, from https://drdavidhamilton.com/kindness-dominos/
Kumar, A. (2022, December 12). Kindness Can Have Unexpectedly Positive Consequences. Scientific American. Retrieved October 30, 2024, from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/kindness-can-have-unexpectedly-positive-con
sequences/
Nelson-Coffey, S. K., Bohlmeijer, E. T., & Schotanus-Dijkstra, M. (2021). Practicing Other-Focused Kindness and Self-Focused Kindness Among Those at Risk for Mental Illness: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Frontiers in psychology, 12, 741546. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.741546
Nicolaus, T. (2023). Practicing kindness is good for your health. The Nation’s Health. Retrieved October 30, 2024, from https://www.thenationshealth.org/content/53/9/24
Pay, C. (2021, February 16). Improve Mental Health with Acts of Kindness. Utah State University Extension. Retrieved October 30, 2024, from https://extension.usu.edu/mentalhealth/articles/improve-mental-health-with-acts-of-kindn
ess
The science behind kindness and how it’s good for your health. (2022, November 8). SSM Health. Retrieved October 30, 2024, from https://www.ssmhealth.com/newsroom/blogs/ssm-health-matters/november-2022/the-science-behind-kindness