🌅 Being Kind Boosts Happiness

SOURCE

Rowland & Curry (2019)

WHAT TO KNOW

• A 2019 study by a pair of researchers at the University of Oxford in the U.K. found performing at least one act of kindness for seven consecutive days boosts happiness, regardless of whether the act is done for yourself, a loved one, or a complete stranger. The study also found the more kind acts you do, the greater the increase in happiness. Even just observing an act of kindness boosted participants’ well-being.

WHY IT MATTERS

• Over the past few decades, research has consistently shown being kind—to yourself and others—is good for one’s well-being. Along with boosting happiness, kindness has other psychological benefits, including increased feelings of compassion, empathy, and self-esteem. Physically, kindness is associated with lower blood pressure and decreased stress, and may even lengthen lifespan.

CONNECT THE DOTS

• World Kindness Day was launched in 1998 by a coalition of nonprofits called the World Kindness Movement, which aims to create a kinder world by connecting people from nations around the globe. Simple ways to be kind today include complimenting someone, helping another person with an undesirable task, offering your seat to someone who’s standing, or simply by including others in social plans.