Have you ever noticed how doing something for someone else makes you feel good?
It doesn’t matter what it is, giving someone a compliment, helping a neighbour with their groceries, or choosing to donate to Surf Life Saving Foundation. The truth is, giving makes you feel good about yourself. It also sets an example for others to follow.
You may be surprised at how much joy and fulfilment can be felt after a simple act of giving. This is more than a coincidence — science shows that helping others can benefit our own well-being.
The Science Behind Kindness
Acts of kindness trigger the release of “feel-good” chemicals in the brain, including dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. These chemicals reduce stress, boost mood, and even improve heart health; researchers have found that people who regularly look after others feel more satisfied with life and have lower levels of anxiety.
This effect is referred to as the “helper’s high”: referring to how helping others makes you feel mentally and emotionally healthier. It’s the same principle as how exercise makes you feel physically better.
How Kindness Strengthens Social Bonds
Humans are designed as social creatures; we live together and thrive off interacting with others. Being kind to others helps them trust you. It can even help you connect with others.
Kindness plays a key role in building trust and cooperation. Even small gestures such as offering your seat on a bus to someone, or even smiling at a stranger can help you feel like you belong. Over time, these acts strengthen communities, making people feel safer and more supported.
When kindness becomes part of daily life, it encourages others to do the same. Kindness can be as infectious as a smile, everyone you know will be affected by your acts of kindness and will start doing similar acts themselves.
Everyday Ways to Practice Kindness
You don’t need to go over the top, there are plenty of simple things you can do to help those in need.
- Check on a friend who may be going through a tough time
- Donate unwanted clothes, books, or food to local charities
- Volunteer an hour of your time each month
- Offer genuine compliments to people around you – just be careful they are not considered inappropriate
- Support local initiatives that help keep people and communities safe
You won’t just be helping others, you’ll also feel a renewed sense of purpose and happiness.
Why Helping Others Helps You Too
In basic terms, kindness reminds you of the world around you and that not everyone is as well off as you. Helping others gives your life a greater sense of meaning and connection. This, in turn, supports better mental health and resilience in everyday life.
The beauty of kindness is that it’s simple. You don’t need to be rich, have special skills, or have huge amounts of spare time. All you need is a willingness to act and make a difference.
When you choose to be kind, you’re helping others and indirectly helping yourself.
Also read: 100 Random Acts of Kindness – Make Kindness the Norm
