Health Farm

-- Spreading kindness boosts health and happiness

Who doesn’t get a kick out of performing an occasional random act of kindness? Even cynics among us will concede that it is better to give than to receive.

Studies show that spontaneous altruism stimulates reward centres of the brain, triggering a flood of feel-good chemicals, known as “helper’s high,” which reduce stress and combat depression.

The same activity can also reduce the risk for cognitive impairment and even helps us live longer, mainly because kindness contributes to our sense of community and belonging, which studies show support a healthy, longer life.

Other acts of kindness likely to deliver a boost include making a donation, which has been shown to reduce blood pressure, improve heart health, and even lessen pain.

Another study found that being kind could boost happiness in as little as three days.

The kindness you give to others is also a gift to yourself.