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How being kind does you good
Posted on behalf of: Student Communications
Last updated: Monday, 11 November 2024
As the home of the UK’s only Centre for Research on Kindness, we take being kind pretty seriously here at Sussex (it’s even one of our core values as a university). From student-led groups to University events, there are countless ways to get involved and spread a little kindness and you even shared your own ideas for showing kindness this issue.
But kindness isn’t just about making others feel good – it has amazing benefits for you too. Acts of kindness can boost your mood and improve your wellbeing. Whether it’s holding the door open for someone, volunteering, or simply offering a smile, every act of kindness counts and can add up to make a big difference in your life.
The warm glow of kindness
Researchers at Sussex have confirmed that the warm glow of kindness is real, even when there’s nothing in it for you. Acts of kindness activate the brain’s reward system, specifically the striatum, which responds to rewarding stimuli like good food. This activation leads to a “warm glow” feeling and is a biological basis for the happiness we experience from being kind, making kindness a powerful tool for personal wellbeing. Even reflecting on past kindness can improve mood!
Five ways being kind can make you feel good
Smiling is contagious
Being kind is likely to make someone smile, and if you see that smile, it might well be catching. Seeing someone else show an emotion can automatically activate the same areas of the brain as if we experienced that emotion ourselves. Louis Armstrong was right, “when you smile, the whole world smiles with you.”
Righting a wrong
Helping someone in distress can make you feel better by alleviating their pain and creating a sense of relief. This effect is especially powerful for close friends and family but can also apply in your wider community and to broader humanitarian issues.
Making connections
Kindness opens up many possibilities to start or develop social connections. Acts like buying someone a thoughtful present or even just a coffee can strengthen friendships and improve mood.
A kind identity
Acts of kindness help us demonstrate a positive identity and make us feel proud of ourselves. This effect is even more powerful when the kind act aligns with other aspects of our personality, creating a more purposeful feeling.
Kindness comes back around
Kindness often leads to reciprocal acts, creating a cycle of goodwill that benefits everyone involved. Being kind can also boost your mood, and being in a good mood can make you more kind, creating a wonderful two-way relationship.
As we gear up for World Kindness Day this Wednesday (13 November), let’s take a moment to appreciate the big and small acts of kindness that make Sussex such a special place. Remember, being kind not only helps others but can bring a wealth of benefits for you too.