How do acts of kindness affect your brain?
Kindness is a strong potentiator of vibrant social engagement, which in turn is a critical component of overall brain health. Research shows that kindness can have a profound effect on resilience, empathy and longevity.SCIENCE SAYS:
Acts of kindness trigger positive changes in the brain by releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin, which enhance mood, reduce stress and strengthen social bonds. MRI studies show that kindness lights up the brain's pleasure centers, similarly to eating chocolate or winning money.WAYS TO BEGIN:
- Seek out new ways to show kindness. When you see others being kind, give them props and show gratitude.
- Be intentional in the ways you interact with others. Take time to be present in the moment and truly listen.
- Reframe negative thinking. Take time to pause and refocus, perhaps by meditating or keeping a gratitude journal.
- Remember kindness is contagious. When you show kindness, you encourage others to follow your lead, making kindness a powerful tool in shaping the world around you.
