There are several reasons why acts of kindness benefit both the giver and the recipient. New study examines the mental health advantages, finding that acts of kindness may help alleviate symptoms of despair and anxiety. "Acts of kindness" are benign and helpful activities that are voluntarily aimed toward another person, motivated by the desire to assist others rather than the goal to receive reward or avoid punishment.
In a study conducted by researchers at the University of Ohio, people with elevated symptoms of depression or anxiety were randomly assigned to perform acts of kindness.
All three therapies were shown to minimize symptoms, alleviate distress, and increase life satisfaction. However, acts of kindness had a bigger impact on social connectedness than any of the other two treatments. The authors point out that actions of kindness have particular advantages above ordinary social engagement. "Acts of kindness may more effectively improve social connection and related dimensions of well-being than prevailing cognitive behavioral therapy techniques," the study's authors said.
The research also gives some insight into the process. Participating in acts of kindness allowed those suffering from depression or anxiety to redirect their focus away from themselves and their symptoms.
According to research, kindness may boost happiness and self-esteem while lowering stress and emotional reactivity2. People may restrict their acts of kindness because they underestimate their worth, according to a new research. Researchers discovered that although the donor considered the value of the gift or activity, the recipient valued the warmth of the gesture and the pleasant social contact. Acts of kindness may also be infectious, as study has shown. People who experienced acts of compassion were more inclined to be generous themselves.
Everyday acts of kindness may help to improve your mood, reduce stress, and perhaps alleviate symptoms of sadness or anxiety. Furthermore, what seems to be a modest act of kindness may have a far-reaching influence.
Benefits of kindness and compassion
Research indicates that individuals who are kind and empathetic are happier with their life. They have greater physical and emotional health and feel less alone, which promotes stronger connections.
Small gestures of kindness, such as a smile or 'hello', may have huge impact. Both the giver and the receiver may profit from their kindness. You may show kindness, generosity, and compassion to someone you know or a stranger.
Kindness, compassion, and generosity have all been linked to positive outcomes in studies. The advantages might include:
- increased feeling of satisfaction or wellbeing
- good mental health
- less stress
- better relationships, and a greater sense of humanity.
People's enjoyment from helping others might create a 'positive feedback loop'. The more you give, the better you feel. This, in turn, promotes increased satisfaction or wellness.
One act of kindness inspires others to follow suit. People who observe others being nice and compassionate are more inclined to be kind themselves. People who have received kindness from others might become nicer and more compassionate themselves.
Related: What is the biggest problem in long-distance relationships?
What is positive psychology?
Positive psychology aims to understand what makes people and communities robust and lively. It investigates what factors and activities contribute to people's satisfaction in life.
Random acts of kindness are one way to practice positive psychology. These might include things like:
- Paying it forward is giving someone a reward, such as purchasing a cup of coffee for the person behind you at the café.
- Sending Thank You Notes – Write a thank you message to someone you appreciate or who has helped you.
- Posting a sticky note is placing post-it notes with positive words around your home or in public places.
- Volunteering benefits both others and oneself.
- Donating to a charity shop - you can assist individuals by giving away items you no longer desire or need.
- Smiling or welcoming strangers - smiles are infectious, and it makes you feel good when others smile back.
- Let others know you appreciate what they do – this might be someone you know or like, such as a teacher or musician.
Anonymous 
There are several reasons why acts of kindness benefit both the giver and the recipient. New study examines the mental health advantages, finding that acts of kindness may help alleviate symptoms of despair and anxiety. "Acts of kindness" are benign and helpful activities that are voluntarily aimed toward another person, motivated by the desire to assist others rather than the goal to receive reward or avoid punishment.
In a study conducted by researchers at the University of Ohio, people with elevated symptoms of depression or anxiety were randomly assigned to perform acts of kindness.
All three therapies were shown to minimize symptoms, alleviate distress, and increase life satisfaction. However, acts of kindness had a bigger impact on social connectedness than any of the other two treatments. The authors point out that actions of kindness have particular advantages above ordinary social engagement. "Acts of kindness may more effectively improve social connection and related dimensions of well-being than prevailing cognitive behavioral therapy techniques," the study's authors said.
The research also gives some insight into the process. Participating in acts of kindness allowed those suffering from depression or anxiety to redirect their focus away from themselves and their symptoms.
According to research, kindness may boost happiness and self-esteem while lowering stress and emotional reactivity2. People may restrict their acts of kindness because they underestimate their worth, according to a new research. Researchers discovered that although the donor considered the value of the gift or activity, the recipient valued the warmth of the gesture and the pleasant social contact. Acts of kindness may also be infectious, as study has shown. People who experienced acts of compassion were more inclined to be generous themselves.
Everyday acts of kindness may help to improve your mood, reduce stress, and perhaps alleviate symptoms of sadness or anxiety. Furthermore, what seems to be a modest act of kindness may have a far-reaching influence.
Benefits of kindness and compassion
Research indicates that individuals who are kind and empathetic are happier with their life. They have greater physical and emotional health and feel less alone, which promotes stronger connections.
Small gestures of kindness, such as a smile or 'hello', may have huge impact. Both the giver and the receiver may profit from their kindness. You may show kindness, generosity, and compassion to someone you know or a stranger.
Kindness, compassion, and generosity have all been linked to positive outcomes in studies. The advantages might include:
People's enjoyment from helping others might create a 'positive feedback loop'. The more you give, the better you feel. This, in turn, promotes increased satisfaction or wellness.
One act of kindness inspires others to follow suit. People who observe others being nice and compassionate are more inclined to be kind themselves. People who have received kindness from others might become nicer and more compassionate themselves.
Related: What is the biggest problem in long-distance relationships?
What is positive psychology?
Positive psychology aims to understand what makes people and communities robust and lively. It investigates what factors and activities contribute to people's satisfaction in life.
Random acts of kindness are one way to practice positive psychology. These might include things like: