Kindness has good benefits | News, Sports, Jobs – The Review

Kindness. The world could use a good supply right now. How does it feel when someone does something for you that you needed? How do you feel when you do something to help someone else? Kindness is a gift you give that gives back to you. Its a lifestyle you cultivate.

The benefits? you ask.

There is a chemical, oxytocin, a hormone in your body. It contributes a number of good things to your well-being, things like reducing blood pressure and good heart health. It helps us to have a better attitude, a good and positive outlook. We see ourselves in a better light. We have more energy, and who cant use a little more of that?

You should know that when you help someone else, the benefits include a longer lifespan. Think about the people you know who are involved in some form of volunteer work. You know them. They are always moving, wear smiles on their faces because they feel good, and they are happy to give of their time to help others.

There is another brain chemical, serotonin, known as the feel good chemical. It helps the body to heal itself and has calming effects. You feel happy. Kindness releases endorphins that ease pain levels, lowers stress and anxiety, lifts depression and lowers blood pressure, explains the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation. And kindness is contagious.

Have you heard of The Rabbit Effect?

There was a study done in the late 1970s, the goal of which was to look at the relationship between high cholesterol and heart health in rabbits. All of the rabbits were fed the same high-fat diet. But there was a difference. One group of rabbits showed 60 percent less fatty deposits than other groups. Researchers went looking to find the reason for this.

The group that had significantly better outcomes was under the care of an unusually affectionate researcher who talked to them, cuddled and petted them, while the other group was simply fed. In other words, she was kind, said Kelli Harding MD, MPH, an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University. She wrote the book, The Rabbit Effect: Live Longer, Happier, and Healthier with the Groundbreaking Science of Kindness.

Dr. Harding said medical care, which is critical to have, accounts for only 10-20 percent of our overall health status. Instead, much of good health depends on creating supportive relationships in our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. This means every persons kind or unkind choices in their daily lives makes a difference in the health of others, she said. And this inspired her to write her book.

Last weekend World Kindness Day was celebrated around the globe. People were encouraged to learn more about kindness. While random acts of kindness are good, there is a good deal more involved with kindness. It isnt just about manners. Or being nice. Its about our actions, compassion, intentional inclusions and empowering solutions, say the experts. Learn about the science of kindness.

Family Recovery Center has professional staff who are ready to listen when you have no one else to talk to. The goal is for the health and well-being of all. Contact the agency at 964 N. Market St., Lisbon; phone, 330-424-1468; or email info@familyrecovery.org. Visit the website at familyrecovery.org. You can find Family Recovery Center at Facebook. FRC is funded in part by United Way of Northern Columbiana County.

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Kindness has good benefits | News, Sports, Jobs - The Review