Impact of kindness for self and others on the brain

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

Published on: Sep 11, 2023 4:38 PM IST

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)