Acts of Kindness: Experts Reveal the Health Benefits of Helping Others

Being and staying healthy involves a number of factors; eating the right foods, drinking plenty of water, getting sound sleep at night, just to name a few. Researchers now say that they can prove that “doing good” also has a positive impact on both your physical and mental health.

Whenever I am feeling a bit overwhelmed or stressed, I step back for a moment and say to myself, “It could be worse”. I then get a pen and paper and jot a note to my sponsor child in Bolivia. Or perhaps I will clean out a closet or book shelf and make a donation to our local charity. I always feel better about my situation after doing something of that nature, but I didn’t realize the extended health benefits of such acts of kindness.

Researchers from the National Institutes of Health studied the brain activity of a group of people given virtual money as part of a computer game. The ones that chose to give it way as opposed to hanging on to it for themselves showed that this act of kindness activated a part of the brain that produces oxytocin.

Oxytocin is often referred to as the “love hormone”. When associated with positive experiences it produces positive emotions. Meaning, it can affect behaviors such as trust, empathy, generosity and bonding with others.

In another study conducted by David McClelland, behavioral psychologist, simply being a witness to acts of kindness can boost your immunity. In the study, students watched a documentary in which Mother Teresa was helping the poor in Calcutta. When tested, the students showed a significant increase in their Immunoglobulin A cells (important immune cells).

Experts aggree, by creating a routine of kindness and compassion, you can improve your health in many ways. But committing to such a routine can be as difficult as sticking to a diet, unless you have a clear plan.

Here are some tips that will help you help others without becoming over stressed.

1) Begin small.

Although “saving the world” is a worthwhile goal, for most of us it is not quite doable in the grand scheme of things. Donate a few dollars a month to a reputable charity. Commit to making a phone call or writing a letter once a week to someone you know who is lonely.

2) Do something you enjoy

If you love to shop, offer to do the shopping for someone who is ill or injured and can’t get out. If you love to read, offer to read a book to someone that can’t see too well.

3) Be specific

Don’t just say I want to help the elderly, or the homeless, or children. Pick an organization that focuses on your passion and find a task that they need help with.

4) Pair up

Find a friend with similar philanthropic desires and do something together. This will give you some accountability and motivation as well.

5) Mark you calendar regularly

I don’t know about you, but I find that the days, weeks, even months just seem to fly by. Pick a day on your calendar and make a weekly or monthly appointment with yourself to complete an act of kindness.

There are many stressors we all face on a daily basis. Some people choose devastating ways of coping, such as drinking, doing drugs, over spending, smoking or overeating. These bad habits will only create a worse health situation for you and those around you. The research now shows that you can actually become healthier by developing “helping habits” instead and sticking to them.

Source: Womans Day magazine Dec. 08