Did you know that kindness is good for your heart and slows down the ageing process?

Monday 13th November is World Kindness Day.  Did you know that kindness is actually great for your health? It can slow down the ageing process? It is good for your heart, mind and is a key ingredient to reduce bullying in schools. Kindness is healthy for your brain and your body. Research has shown that;

1. Kindness is anti ageing and helps to reduce heart disease.

Kindness produces oxytocin. Oxytocin reduces levels of free radicals and inflammation in the cardiovascular system and therefore slows aging.

2. Kindness gives us a natural high.

It is well recognised that when you are kind to another you can get a “helpers high”. And researchers have found that this euphoric feeling has a biochemical basis. Giving produces endorphins in the brain that provide a similar feeling to a type of morphine high.

3. Kindness improves our immunity

Serotonin is a naturally occurring substance in the body that makes us feel more comfortable, peaceful, and even blissful. Research has shown that a simple act of kindness directed toward another improves functioning of the immune system and stimulates production of serotonin in both the recipient of kindness and the person extending the kindness. Even more amazing is that persons observing the act of kindness have similar beneficial results

4. Kindness keeps our hearts healthier.

Acts of kindness are often accompanied by emotional warmth. Emotional warmth produces the hormone oxytocin in the brain and throughout the body.

Oxytocin causes the release of a chemical called nitric oxide in blood vessels, which dilates (expands) the blood vessels. This reduces blood pressure, and therefore oxytocin protects the heart by lowering blood pressure. Kindness produces oxytocin, which reduces blood pressure and helps the heart.

5. Kindness reduces bullying and rates of anxiety and depression in our children and teenagers.

Acts of kindness connects people. It increases empathy and empathy reduces bullying in schools, helps people feel a better sense of belonging. Kindness also reduces rates of depression and anxiety and makes for happier minds and higher rates of happiness all round.

Happy World Kindness Day!!!