Impact of kindness for self and others on the brain

By , Delhi
Published on Sept 11, 2023 04:38 pm IST

From boosting mood to alleviating stress, here are a few positive impacts of kindness on the brain.

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Kindness is a virtue. While it is important that we should be kind and gentle to others, we should be the same to ourselves as well. Being kind, compassionate, gentle and empathetic to others and also to ourselves helps in having newer and positive perspectives about life. "Science consistently shows that acts of kindness have a positive effect on our mood and overall well-being. By stimulating different neurobiological systems, being kind to others is unique as it activates parts of the brain’s reward system, making us feel as if we’re in the receiving end," wrote Therapist Helen Marie. Here are a few reasons why we should be kind to others, as well as to ourselves.(Unsplash) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Sept 11, 2023 04:38 pm IST

Kindness is a virtue. While it is important that we should be kind and gentle to others, we should be the same to ourselves as well. Being kind, compassionate, gentle and empathetic to others and also to ourselves helps in having newer and positive perspectives about life. "Science consistently shows that acts of kindness have a positive effect on our mood and overall well-being. By stimulating different neurobiological systems, being kind to others is unique as it activates parts of the brain’s reward system, making us feel as if we’re in the receiving end," wrote Therapist Helen Marie. Here are a few reasons why we should be kind to others, as well as to ourselves.(Unsplash)

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When we are kind to others, it boosts our mood as well by releasing oxytocin – this further helps in feeling more involved in life and creating fresh perspectives. (Unsplash) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Sept 11, 2023 04:38 pm IST

When we are kind to others, it boosts our mood as well by releasing oxytocin – this further helps in feeling more involved in life and creating fresh perspectives. (Unsplash)

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By releasing Dopamine, kindness helps in giving us the feeling of being rewarded by making others feel happy. (Unsplash) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Sept 11, 2023 04:38 pm IST

By releasing Dopamine, kindness helps in giving us the feeling of being rewarded by making others feel happy. (Unsplash)

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Serotonin, when released, helps in feeling that we have achieved something nice – this improves self-esteem and self-confidence. (Unsplash) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Sept 11, 2023 04:38 pm IST

Serotonin, when released, helps in feeling that we have achieved something nice – this improves self-esteem and self-confidence. (Unsplash)

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By reducing Cortisol levels, acts of kindness help in alleviating symptoms of stress. (Unsplash) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Sept 11, 2023 04:38 pm IST

By reducing Cortisol levels, acts of kindness help in alleviating symptoms of stress. (Unsplash)

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By releasing Endorphins, acts of kindness help in relieving the body of pain.(Unsplash) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Sept 11, 2023 04:38 pm IST

By releasing Endorphins, acts of kindness help in relieving the body of pain.(Unsplash)

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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Tapatrisha Das

    Tapatrisha is Content Producer with Hindustan Times. She covers stories related to health, relationships, and fashion.

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