The Kindness Connection
The connection between mental and physical health is well-documented. According to an article in Harvard Health, there is also mounting evidence and studies that acts of kindness do more than make the giver and recipient feel good.
“There’s compelling evidence that kindness is linked with a number of aspects of health and well-being,” said Tyler VanderWeele, the co-director of the Initiative on Health, Spirituality, and Religion at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “Some studies have indicated it can improve happiness and a sense of engagement with life, reduce symptoms of anxiety and increase a sense of social connectedness.”
For a variety of reasons, holiday periods can trigger feelings of isolation and sadness. Small acts of kindness — whether random or premeditated — can help fuel your brain for positive and happy feelings. Even micro-kindness acts of smiling at a stranger, not complaining when you might otherwise, sending a random “thinking of you” note or going out of your way to say, “I see and appreciate all you do” — these small gestures can make someone else’s day and build on an attitude of kindness. Shifting focus from yourself and negative thoughts to helping others creates a positive cycle and can improve how you feel. Ever let someone else go first in traffic and then look back and see that the next person did too? Random kindness is contagious — so pass it along!
The Medical Center’s Visiting Specialists program features mental health practitioner Sarah Couper, APRN, and chiropractic/holistic practitioner David Coppola, DC.