You’ve tried it all. From deep breathing, to taking a nap, to venting to your friends, and yet you still feel stressed.
Why not try a little kindness?
Stress seems to be an epidemic these days. And if we’re not careful, today’s stress can become tomorrow’s anxiety, depression, or worse. But as we seek ways to help ourselves, perhaps the solution actually lies in helping others.
It turns out that when we put our own troubles aside and focus our energy on being kind and helping others, our stress levels decrease. Kindness positively impacts hormonal levels in our bodies, leading to both mental and physical health benefits.
Not only do stress levels decrease, but so does blood pressure and pain level. Being kind to others releases chemicals like endorphins and oxytocin. Oxytocin dilates blood vessels, which in turn helps decrease blood pressure, while endorphins act as our body’s natural pain killers.
And if you’re feeling a little sluggish, try spreading some kindness for a natural energy boost.
One study reported about half the study participants felt stronger and more energetic after helping others, with many participants saying they felt calmer, less depressed, or had greater feelings of self-worth.
Research finds people 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organizations are less likely to die early, a staggering 44 percent less likely.
So what if we find ourselves a little rusty at flexing our kindness muscle? Don’t despair. Kindness can be learned.
And the great thing is, kindness is contagious. Good deeds catch on like a yawn, which means kindness in a crowd can spread like ripples through a pond.
Why not give it a try? Just one act of kindness can make the difference between a good day and a bad day. So make it a good day, not just for yourself, but for the person you’re helping and those witnessing your kindness.
In the words of the Greek philosopher Aristotle, the purpose of life is “To serve others and do good.” If research is any indication, acts of kindness and serving others may also be the recipe for combating stress and maintaining good health.