The science of kindness: why helping others helps you too

If there’s one thing our world could use a little more of, it’s kindness. But did you know kindness doesn’t just benefit others? It’s also a powerful way to boost your own well-being and self-worth. We’ll unpack why in this article and provide you with some helpful tips on helping out.

Riding the helper’s high

Remember the buzz you got last time you helped someone? That's your brain throwing a party. Scientists call it the 'helper's high' – a rush of feel-good chemicals including dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins.

It's your body's way of giving you a high-five.

Your body loves random acts of kindness

A temporary helper’s high isn't the only physical benefit to kindness. Research shows it's good for you in the long term, too.

Regular acts of kindness can:

• lower your blood pressure
• reduce stress
• increase your energy, and
• boost your immune system.

You’ll also get a boost in oxytocin (aka ‘the love hormone'), which helps reduce inflammation and slow aging. Seriously! Who knew being nice could be your secret wellness weapon?

The ripple effect

When you show kindness, you're not just helping one person: you're starting a chain reaction. Studies show people who witness acts of kindness are inspired to act kinder themselves.

You can make kindness contagious and create a more resilient local community, by:

• volunteering at your local food bank
• paying ahead for someone’s coffee, or
• cleaning up your local beach.

Building kindness into your routine

Ready to bring a bit more authentic positivity into the world? Here are a few tips for getting started:

Offer genuine compliments - Love a friend’s new haircut? Seen someone making real progress on their fitness journey? Tell them! Authentic praise costs nothing, but it can make someone's day.

Check in with friends who've been unusually quiet - We all have that friend: someone who needs help but would rather do their taxes ten times over than ask for it. If you’ve noticed them disengaging from life lately, a simple "Hey, been thinking about you" text could be a lifeline.

Share your skills or knowledge - Are you a dab hand in the kitchen? A beast on the punching bag? You'd be amazed how many people would love to learn what comes naturally to you. This can be a great opportunity to create meaningful connections through teaching. Chances are, you’ll learn something awesome in return.

Listen without trying to fix everything - There are times for giving advice and times for listening. Instead of jumping straight to solutions with someone who’s struggling, sometimes a heartfelt "I’m here for you" is enough.

Show up when someone needs support - Whether it's helping a friend move, bringing a neighbour soup when they're sick, or sitting with a colleague after a bad day, your physical presence speaks volumes. So, the next time you’re tempted to send a text, think about putting down your phone and knocking on someone’s door instead.

Flex your kindness muscles

Everyone’s fitness journey is different, but if there’s one thing we can all agree on, going to the gym can occasionally feel a little lonely.

So, why not spot a friend during strength training or join them for their first-ever Reformer Pilates class? Sometimes all it takes is a laugh over some squats to help someone find their mojo.