According to Dr. David R. Hamilton, acts of kindness create emotional warmth, which releases a hormone known as oxytocin. Oxytocin causes the release of a chemical called nitric oxide, which dilates the blood vessels. This reduces blood pressure and, therefore, oxytocin is known as a "cardioprotective" hormone. It protects the heart by lowering blood pressure.

Oddly enough, when polled 85% of US adults perceive themselves to be kind people.

“People who volunteer tend to experience fewer aches and pains.” — Christine Carter, Author, “Raising Happiness; In Pursuit of Joyful Kids and Happier Parents”.

Serotonin! Serotonin heals your wounds, calms you down and makes you happy.

According to Stephen Post, Author, “The Hidden Gifts of Helping” - “Helping a neighbor, volunteering, or donating goods and services results in a helper’s high.”

Remember, our eyes are a muscle. The more we exercise it to start seeing the good, the more good will be reflected back at us. There happens to be so much good happening in the world, however sometimes we fail to see it. Let’s start seeing the world through the lens of kindness.

According to the Harvard “Social Capital Community Benchmark Survey”, an amazing 42% of people who give contributions of time or money are more likely to be happy” than those who don’t give.

“About half of participants in one study report that they feel stronger and more energetic after helping others; many also reported feeling calmer and less depressed, with increased feelings of self-worth.” — Christine Carter, UC Berkeley, Greater Good Science Center

Science indicates that giving donations to charity has been proven to lead to activation in the ventral striatum, a brain region that’s commonly referred to as the reward center.

Being kind produces oxytocin in your system. It’s no wonder they say being kind is a good thing!