Although “niceness” and compassion are frequently equated, kindness has deeper meanings. Generosity, compassion, and empathy are among their layers. Kindness also requires much effort and emotional fortitude when confronted by a frequently unkind society. It’s a decision that has a variety of options. So, here are the reasons why kindness is essential:
- Kindness is associated with well-being.
Kindness and its consequences have been the subject of extensive research. Kindness is regularly connected in studies to improved health and a greater sense of well-being. A small and meaningful link between improved physical and mental health was discovered. Surprisingly, “informal helping” or unprompted acts of kindness were associated with more health advantages.
- Kindness lowers your stress.
We must discuss stress hormones when we discuss stress. It’s required in really stressful circumstances. It gets our bodies ready to fight or flee to survive. However, that stress hormone has detrimental effects when we cannot escape difficult circumstances. It has been demonstrated that kindness can lower cortisol levels and bring our bodies back to a more relaxed, balanced condition.
- Kindness boosts self-esteem.
There is a ripple effect when someone is good to someone else. Frequently referred to as “the helper’s high.” You gain satisfaction and self-confidence by being kind to others. As a result, your self-esteem will increase, along with your productivity. Studies have shown that extending generosity to strangers rather than friends and family members have a larger favorable effect on one’s self-esteem.
- Kindness boosts productivity.
In work environments, kindness is considered a priority to get more work done or to increase productivity. This goes against the conventional wisdom that success requires “tough love.” Too frequently, “tough love” is only a cover for a toxic, oppressive atmosphere. Giving praise was associated with higher productivity and lower turnover in a study that examined more than 3,500 organizations and 50,000 people. It makes it obvious that compassion would favor the workplace environment, given how it enhances an individual’s well-being.
- Kindness creates better leaders.
Research that affirms kindness and empathy as necessary qualities for a good leader may be found easily. Strong social ties and emotional intelligence make for effective leaders. They also know the significance of treating others with respect and dignity. In return, they are trusted, respected, and shown loyalty.
- Kindness helps kids do better in school.
Kindness has benefits for schools, just as it enhances the workplace. Bullying can be thwarted when the adults in a school promote virtues like empathy and compassion. Additionally, children feel safer, more self-assured, and better prepared to develop critical social connections.
- Kindness sets children up for a good future.
Children’s destinies are greatly impacted by what happens to them in their younger years. According to research, children who are more friendly to their family and strangers experience greater benefits than those who are more kind to their friends.
- Kindness is good for romantic relationships.
Couples are substantially more likely to remain together (and remain happy) when they exhibit empathy, compassion, and generosity toward one another. Kindness is the most critical indicator of marital satisfaction and emotional stability. In difficult relationships, prioritizing actions of kindness and learning how to make a partner feel loved and understood helps enhance communication and feelings of connection.
- Kindness towards self is important to a good life.
Kindness to oneself, also called self-compassion, is just as crucial as kindness to others. According to studies, those who are too critical of themselves and indulge in negative self-talk are more prone to sadness and anxiety. This is related to the idea that “tough love” is effective when, in reality, what works is kindness and compassion. Self-compassion training helps people experience less anxiety and depressive symptoms.
- Kindness is contagious.
Last but not least, kindness matters because it spreads quickly. People who benefit from someone’s pro-social actions are more likely to “pay it forward” to others. As a result, being kind spreads like wildfire and becomes more and more common. It’s a constructive sort of peer pressure. Additionally, that “helper’s high” inspires people to remain kind.
