Be Kind…It Will Keep You Healthy!
We all know the Golden Rule….treat others like we would want to be treated.
When we demonstrate kindness or participate in a random act of kindness, we feel good about ourselves. Our own self-esteem and self worth are elevated.
But what if there was MORE to it….
Well for starters, a study was done in North Carolina which demonstrated that thinking kind thoughts or doing a kind act promoted the production of the hormone Oxytocin.
Oxytocin has vaso-dilating and anti-inflammatory properties that are good for reducing stress hormones AND blood pressure while increasing blood flow to the body and brain.
Not to mention being able to slow down the Aging Process!! Woohoo!!
Yes, Oxytocin reduces levels of free radicals in the body.
Being kind has shown to have positive effects on the nervous system, more specifically, the vagus nerve; our longest cranial nerve.
Feelings of joy and happiness have been shown to improve the functionality of the vagus nerve which then leads to a better regulated pulse with lessened heart rate variability.
And this folks means we have a happy and healthy cardiovascular system. How cool is that?
I think most cardiologists would agree a steady heart rate can combat heart disease and heart attacks.
On a biochemical level, kindness promotes good feelings due to the production of the brains natural opioids~endorphins, serotonin, and the reward neuro-chemical dopamine.
If you have fallen out of the habit of being kind, it can be hard to know where to start again.
Firstly, begin by assigning some time that you can really contemplate kindness and positivity.
I’ve recently committed to writing in my Gratitude Journal 5 things I am Grateful for when I wake up and before bed 2-3 great things that happened to me that day.
Start by repeating positive messages about yourself and your loved ones. This will help to attune you to go out and be kind by helping the body to produce more oxytocin.
Once you feel ready, introduce some kindness to your daily routine. A good place to start is to simply pay others full attention when they are talking to you.
Give your time more freely. Add to this, in the coming weeks by paying the occasional compliment.
Offer to help people that you see. Initially, you can expect people to be baffled by this sort of approach but acts of kindness, like these, will soon feel quite normal and your body will reap the health benefit rewards.
Kindness…the gift that costs nothing…but can transform everything.
