The surprising benefits of kindness on your mind and body

We’ve all felt the warmth of a kind gesture, the comfort of a reassuring word, or the uplift of a genuine smile. There’s no denying that kindness can be a powerful force in our lives, but these simple yet profound acts have more benefits than you might imagine!

Many people believe that the key to happiness lies in achieving personal goals, like earning more money, reaching career milestones, or receiving recognition. But research tells a different story. In reality, one of the most powerful ways to boost your happiness is through kindness—whether it’s holding the door open for a stranger or volunteering in your community.

The Science of Kindness

Let’s dive into the science of it. According to the American Psychiatric Association’s most recent Healthy Minds Poll in 2023, 89% of the individuals surveyed said that “showing someone else an act of kindness made them feel either significantly, somewhat, or a little better, and 90% said receiving an act of kindness made them feel those ways.” Kind acts make us feel more connected to each other, which creates a stronger sense of community and belonging. These are all very important things, and all it takes is one intentional act to set a chain of kindness into motion!

In addition to making you feel better mentally, small acts of kindness also have an impact on your physical health. According to randomactsofkindness.org, people who regularly spread kindness to others have an average of 23% less cortisol (which is also known as the stress hormone), healthier blood pressure readings, lower levels of pain, and they even age slower than the average population!

Simple Ways to Bring Kindness to Your Community

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in our own lives and busy schedules. The good news is that even very small acts of kindness can create a meaningful impact and cause a ripple effect in your community. Whether you have just a moment or a few hours to spare, there are so many ways you can spread kindness in your community:

• Volunteer at local charities: Spend time helping out at food banks, homeless shelters, or animal rescues.
• Organize a neighborhood cleanup: Gather neighbors to clean up local parks, streets, or beaches.
• Donate blood: Offer a life-saving resource by donating blood at local drives or centers.
• Support local businesses: Make an effort to shop at small, local businesses and promote them within your network.
• Offer to help an elderly neighbor: Run errands, do grocery shopping, or help with yard work for older adults in your neighborhood.
• Pay it forward: Cover the cost of the person’s order behind you in line at a coffee shop or drive-thru.
• Leave positive notes: Scatter uplifting and positive messages in public places or hand them out to people.
• Host a free workshop: Share your skills or knowledge, be it in arts, crafts, cooking, or technology, with your community.
• Plant trees or start a community garden: Enhance the green spaces in your area for beautification and sustainability.
• Cook a meal for someone: Deliver a homemade meal to a neighbor, a friend going through a tough time, or a local family in need.
• Offer transportation: Drive someone who doesn’t have access to transportation to their appointments or help them run errands.
• Create care packages: Assemble and distribute packages with essentials for the homeless, hospital patients, or troops overseas.
• Be a mentor or tutor: Offer your expertise to mentor young people or tutor students who need help in a particular subject.
• Welcome new neighbors: Make an effort to introduce yourself to new members of the community and offer your assistance as they settle in.
• Start a free book exchange: Encourage literacy and a love for reading by setting up a book swap station in your community.

Incorporating even just a few of these small acts of kindness into your regular routine will not only enrich the community, it will also foster a culture of generosity and compassion!

Kindness as an Antidote to Loneliness

Loneliness is one of the most serious pain points in our society today. It’s a growing concern, with statistics showing a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% risk of stroke among those who experience social isolation. But acts of kindness have the power to bridge the gap between isolation and connection. When you show kindness to another person, your brain’s pleasure centers light up as if you were the recipient of the good deed—not the giver. This reaction is known as the “mirror effect” and it can have such a positive impact on those who are feeling lonely or isolated.

With all of these statistics, it’s easy to see how kindness can transform not just individual lives but entire communities. Put simply, kindness counts. Whether it’s in a smile to a stranger, a warm meal for someone in need, or an intentional act of compassion, being kind can infuse your life with a deeper sense of happiness and fulfillment. Every act, no matter its size, has the potential to leave a profound impact on our communities.

At First Utah Bank, we are dedicated to uplifting our community. This goes far beyond the banking transactions we offer at our local branches. We believe in the power of kindness and the impact small, thoughtful actions can have in creating a more connected, thriving society. Together, we can build stronger communities where everyone feels supported. That’s how you make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.