The science of kindness

THE SCIENCE OF KINDNESS

Amid all the doom and gloom around COVID-19, it was hard to keep a positive mindset. But thankfully, out of the chaos emerged many inspiring stories of kindness, of people helping others and doing good. One of the conditions of the BCA Enrolment Contract states - a serious attitude to study, kindness and respect towards other girls, respect for teachers and excellent behaviour at school and in public. This is an important aspect of building and maintaining respectful and positive friendships and relationships both in and out of school.

When you're being kind to someone, you positively impact many people - the person who receives the kindness, anyone who witnesses your kind act, and even yourself! Let us consider the Science of Kindness, why it’s important and how it makes us and others feel.

KINDNESS INCREASES:

THE LOVE HORMONE: Witnessing acts of kindness produces oxytocin, occasionally referred to as the ‘love hormone’ which aids in lowering blood pressure and improving our overall heart-health. Oxytocin also increases our self-esteem and optimism, which is extra helpful when feeling anxious or shy in a social situation.

ENERGY: People feel stronger and more energetic after helping others; many also feel calmer and less depressed, with increased feelings of self-worth

HAPPINESS: Giving to others, they say, activates an area of the brain linked with contentment and the reward cycle. Researchers have found a strong link between performing generous acts and personal happiness.

LIFESPAN: People who volunteer tend to experience fewer aches and pains. Giving help to others protects overall health twice as much as aspirin protects against heart disease.

PLEASURE: When you are kind to another person, your brain’s pleasure and reward centres light up, as if you were the recipient of the good deed—not the giver. This phenomenon is called the “helper’s high.” SEROTONIN Like most medical antidepressants, kindness stimulates the production of serotonin. This feel-good chemical heals your wounds, calms you down, and makes you happy!

KINDNESS DECREASES:

PAIN Engaging in acts of kindness produces endorphins, the brain’s natural painkiller! STRESS Perpetually kind people have 23% less cortisol (the stress hormone) and age slower than the average population!

ANXIETY Performing acts of kindness every week, significantly increases positive moods, relationship satisfaction and decreases social avoidance in socially anxious individuals.

DEPRESSION When we are kind to ourselves, everything from life satisfaction to self-realization and physical health is significantly improved. Depression is reduced and well-being and good fortune are increased.

Mrs A Cofini

Wellbeing Coordinator