'Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty' may read like an '80s bumper sticker, but it’s still a credo to live by. You never know whose day you might brighten or how you might help someone in need. Here are even more reasons why.
It helps cultivate gratitude
It does a body good
Kindness spreads
Researchers found that one act of kindness can have up to triple the social effect.
You’ll achieve moral elevation
According to Psychology Today, "the simple witnessing of others being kind can release the same 'feel good' chemicals that doing an act of kindness can produce." It's called "moral elevation"—and it's awesome.
It can challenge someone’s expectations—for the better
When comedian Sarah Silverman took time to show surprising kindness to an online troll, she transformed a stereotypically negative (and all too common) online exchange into a real, positive human connection. "You don't deserve punishment. You deserve support," she tweeted. The guy apologized—and she helped him get the medical treatment he needed.
You’ll feel less alone
And so will the person you're helping out. Helping, giving and other prosocial or altruistic behavior affirms our place in a community and fosters our sense of belonging.
It’s an ego boost
Not that this is about you, but doing kind things helps your self-esteem. One study found that helping strangers, in particular, had lasting effects.
