We live in an increasingly self-absorbed world. If only more people realized that an essential key to good health and wellness goes beyond a balanced diet or a good exercise regime. Maintaining a mild and kind disposition can do much for the overall state of being.
According to an article published in the Huffington Post, “acts of kindness are often accompanied by emotional warmth. Emotional warmth produces the hormone oxytocin in the brain and throughout the body. Of much recent interest is its significant role in the cardiovascular system. Oxytocin causes the release of a chemical called nitric oxide in blood vessels, which dilates (expands) the blood vessels. This reduces blood pressure, and therefore oxytocin is known as a “cardio-protective” hormone because it protects the heart (by lowering blood pressure). The key is that acts kindness can produce oxytocin, and therefore kindness can be said to be cardio-protective.”
Do Yourself a Favour – Be Kind
Kindness is a hard thing to give away – it usually comes right back.
Always be a little kinder than necessary.
Kindness makes you attractive. If you want to win the world, melt it, don’t hammer it.
Write injuries in sand, kindnesses in marble.
Kindness is the ability to love others more than they deserve.
At times what can hinder someone from showing the kindness which is inside their heart is the worry that their efforts won’t be valued and appreciated. Should we let that stop us? Well, this is where the hidden power of kindness shows its strength. The fundamental truth is: When we encourage, refresh and show affection to others we ourselves are also encouraged and refreshed. When we share pleasantries with another person, it makes us feel good inside. That’s how we were designed.
Think of this, every time you say nice things to others such as; “good to have you with us”, “you look good in that outfit”, “I enjoyed your presentation last night, well done” and so on, you are doing yourself a big favor on an emotional and personal level.
To illustrate how our actions can have a tremendous impact on others here is a true story that took place in prison.
“In a matter of seconds, this man’s world was turned upside down. The accident resulted in the loss of both his legs and one arm. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, the man resolved to look for ways to encourage other hurting people. He began writing letters to a local prison. Each letter was full of all the hope and faith this man could muster. Yet he never knew if anyone was even reading the letters; prison policy did not allow prisoners to write back. Occasionally, he was tempted to stop writing; what good was it really doing? But one day, this man received a letter from the guard who censored the prisoners’ mail. He wrote, “Please write on the best paper you can afford. Your letters are passed from cell to cell till they literally fall to pieces.” — Stories for a Faithful Heart compiled by Alice Gray.
The lesson?
Kindness has power. Make it your mission to overcome negative aspects of life by using the power of kindness. This is one simple way we can stay happy and healthy.
To learn more about how positive emotions such as kindness can impact your health CLICK HERE>>>