6 reasons to be kind every day

A simple “good morning,” a sincere compliment, or a helpful gesture doesn’t just improve someone’s day, it changes the brains and bodies of those who practice kindness. Science has already proven that being kind is an effective and natural way to maintain your mental health.

According to Dr. Mariana Ramos, professor of psychology at Afia Centro Universitario Itaperna, when we perform acts of kindness, our brains respond immediately. “Kindness stimulates the release of substances such as dopamine and serotonin, which increases feelings of joy and well-being. It’s like your brain rewards you for good deeds,” he explains.

Experts say any gesture triggers a positive physiological response. “Every time we are kind, something silently happens within us. nervous system“Happiness circuits are activated,” she says, emphasizing that this process goes far beyond social interactions: “Being kind is not just a social act, it’s a psychobiological choice in life.”

How kindness affects physical and mental health

Dr. Mariana Ramos explains that when we perform acts of kindness, such as asking for help, listening to someone, complimenting someone, or smiling, our brain interprets this as a positive stimulus for social connection.

“It activates areas such as the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for empathy and moral decisions, and the limbic system, which is associated with emotions. This activation creates an internal sense of warmth, joy, and belonging, which leads to lighter breathing, more relaxed muscles, and a more stable heart rate,” he explains.

Furthermore, kindness spreads like dominoes. “Kindness is contagious. When we observe a kind act, the brain activates reward areas, which motivates us to reproduce the behavior,” he added.

Below, Dr. Mariana Ramos lists six reasons to practice kindness and explains how a simple attitude can transform your happiness. Check it out!

1. Kindness stimulates the release of feel-good hormones

Being kind frees up your brain. dopamineserotonin and oxytocin are chemicals associated with joy, happiness, and feelings of connection. That’s why doing good things gives us a good feeling of “lightness in our hearts”.

2. Reduces stress and anxiety

Acts of kindness help lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. In other words, being kind calms your body and mind, making you feel better and sleep better.

3. Strengthen social connections and a sense of belonging

Kindness is what brings people together. small positive attitude They create trust and reciprocity, which make us feel more welcome and less lonely. This is an important factor for mental health.

4. Improve self-esteem and purpose in life

When we help someone, we feel useful and valued. This strengthens self-esteem, gives greater meaning to one’s actions, and reinforces the awareness that one can have a positive impact on the world.

5. Increase emotional resilience

Kind people tend to handle frustration and conflict better as they grow up. Empathy and compassion. These skills protect the mind from negative emotions such as anger and resentment and promote emotional balance.

6. Improve cardiovascular health

Practicing kindness has direct benefits for your heart. Reducing stress and increasing production of oxytocin, known as the “love hormone,” promotes vasodilation, which helps regulate blood pressure, promote circulation, and protect the cardiovascular system.

Additionally, people who adopt a kind attitude report higher life satisfaction, fewer symptoms of anxiety and stress, and lower rates of heart disease, which contributes to longevity and overall well-being.

Beatriz Felicio