08 May Kindness… It May Just Make the Heart Grow Stronger!

Recent studies suggest that acts of kindness towards others make the giver happier, while also increasing their longevity! A study at the University of North Carolina found that participants who practiced daily mental goodwill meditations, aimed towards themselves and others, experienced increased joy, hope, amusement, and serenity.

Increased positive emotions improve the “tone” of the vagal nerve, which helps regulate heart efficiency. Increased vagal tone lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease and other major medical risks.

So, not only do acts of kindness make the giver happy, they may also make the giver healthier.

Of course, kindness starts at home… extending patience, love and empathy to those who are closest to you. But random acts of kindness can also lead to strong feelings of well-being. Here are a few random acts of kindness we found on randomactsofkindness.org:

• Write a “thank you” note to a veteran, and keep it in your car. When you see a parked car with a veteran license plate, stick the note under their windshield wiper.
• Ask an elderly neighbor or a sick friend if you can get some groceries for them.
• Reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while.
• Give honest compliments freely.
• Listen well to everyone around you.
• Organize an appreciation lunch for your child’s teacher.
• Give cold water to your mail carrier on a hot day – or to the meter reader, garbage man, or landscaper.

For lots of other great kindness ideas, check out www.randomactsofkindness.org.

For more information about the studies referenced in this article, visit http://ow.ly/CpFdD.

“No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop