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Here's a new tool you might want to add to your health and wellness regimen: random acts of kindness.As people search for better and faster ways to improve their health and well-being, they often overlook easy, inexpensive and effective social wellness activities like volunteering and doing good deeds. Research shows that doing altruistic acts � like volunteering at a community center or donating blood � not only help improve mental health and well-being, but also help people live longer, happier, and healthier lives. Surprisingly, research also shows that people who give kindness and compassion often receive more health benefits than people who receive acts of kindness. In the book Wellbeing, Tom Rath and Jim Harter explain how certain parts of the brain become more activated when we give money than when we receive money. Neuroscientists believe this reaction in the brain creates a sense of reward and emotional connection by causing the release of the neurotransmitters dopamine and oxytocin. These brain chemicals affect our ability to feel pleasure and experience social bonding. In addition to these mental wellness benefits, acts of kindness also improve physical wellness. For example, older volunteers have been found to live longer, more satisfying lives. It's important, however, to make sure your acts of kindness support you in creating a balanced life instead becoming a source of stress. Health benefits start to fade if volunteers feel overwhelmed by their activities. Here are few easy wellness tips for boosting your health and social wellbeing by practicing kindness. Enjoy!
- Drive someone who doesn't have a car. (Image provided by Wikipedia.)
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