Is Kindness Good for Your Health? Science Says Yes
Kindness is often seen as an action we take for others, such as holding a door open, giving a compliment, or helping a stranger cross the street. However, recent research indicates that these small gestures may also benefit us in unexpected ways.
According to Zita Oravecz, a professor of human development and family studies at The Pennsylvania State University, kindness can create a powerful emotional connection between individuals. She describes this feeling as "positivity resonance," which refers to a brief but impactful moment of shared goodwill that affects both the body and behavior.
This phenomenon occurs on both a biological and behavioral level. People tend to smile at each other, and the hormone oxytocin is released, along with synchronized heart rates. When the brain releases neurochemicals like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, they help reduce stress hormones such as cortisol. Over time, this can lead to lower blood pressure and reduced inflammation.
The science behind "positivity resonance" has measurable health effects. Studies show that acts of kindness, whether helping a neighbor or volunteering, can decrease stress, reduce anxiety, improve mood, and even alleviate physical pain.
In a 2022 experimental study, participants who performed regular acts of kindness experienced greater reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms compared to those who did not. David Cregg, one of the study’s authors from The Ohio State University, emphasized that social connections are crucial for well-being, and performing acts of kindness is an effective way to strengthen these connections.
The Mental Health Foundation in the United Kingdom highlights similar benefits, noting that helping others can reduce stress and enhance self-esteem, happiness, and overall emotional well-being.
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An international trial published in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology found that kindness can reduce social isolation and loneliness, which are increasingly linked to various health issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that loneliness affects one in six people worldwide.
Physical benefits of kindness?
Beyond mental health, kindness may also have positive effects on physical health. A decade-long study involving about 48,000 people in the UK found that those who regularly donated money to charity or volunteered their time experienced less pain that interfered with their ability to work.
The research tracked participants between 2011 and 2020. After considering factors such as age, income, initial health status, and depression, researchers found that individuals who donated or volunteered reported lower levels of pain interference over time compared to those who did neither. The effect was most significant among those who contributed both time and money regularly.
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Another study followed nearly 13,000 American adults over a decade. It found that those who volunteered at least 100 hours per year had a lower risk of death and were less likely to experience physical limitations later in life. They were also more active and reported higher levels of optimism, happiness, and life purpose. Notably, there was no link between volunteering and other health issues like diabetes, sleep problems, or depression, indicating that more research is needed to fully understand how kindness influences health.
Ultimately, while many may think of kindness as something grand or time-consuming, Oravecz insists it doesn’t have to be. Even small acts of kindness can have large, unforeseen consequences. “It can alter someone’s life path,” she said.
