Why be kind? It’s good for you, good for others, and you just might live longer
Performing acts of kindness is more than just a way to spread joy. A growing body of research has linked it to better overall health and even longevity. As reported here, Dr. Kelli Harding, an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University’s Irving Medical Center, said: “Small acts of kindness are an essential and often overlooked component of health.”
Kindness can be practiced toward others, but it’s also important to extend it to ourselves. Per the report, positive results include:
Antidote to Stress: According to Dr. Harding, “On an individual level, kindness buffers stress. It lowers cortisol and blood pressure, reduces pain, Anxiety, Depression, and boost the immune system.”
Relief of anxiety and depression: “In one study, practicing Meditation that promotes positivity and kindness for yourself and others (rather than anger or self-loathing) was found to be effective in helping treat depression and social anxiety alone or when included in cognitive behavior Therapy (CBT), a standard-of-care treatment.”
Better heart health: Research suggests people who have a purpose in life and are optimistic, have a lower likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease. Practicing kindness can enhance this.
Help with Diabetes management: “According to research, people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who practiced self-compassion for eight weeks had reduced depression scores and…also decreased their A1C scores.” Stress hormones can elevate blood sugar.
Specific promotion of longevity: Telomeres are part of our DNA that play an important role in cell Growth. We know that their length shortens as we age. A 2019 study showed that participation in a six-week workshop on cultivating kindness through meditation helped protect telomeres. This may help slow the Aging process. What was interesting here is that people who did a more general mindfulness meditation did not show the same health benefit when it came to telomere length; “it was only seen in those who were specifically focusing on kindness.”
I suppose it’s a measure of how little I know about this, that I didn’t realize there was such a thing as kindness meditation, as opposed to general mindfulness meditation. It turns out that kindness is a form, or practice, of meditation. It’s sometimes called loving-kindness meditation, and you can find out more about it here and here.
Less pain, more gain
Related research from Harvard suggests that Volunteering and other acts of kindness can lead to improved Mental Health, physical health and lifespan. This longitudinal study, for example, found a link between volunteerism and charitable donations and lower levels of physical pain.
Yet another Harvard study – which looked at data from nearly 13,000 adults in the U.S. over the age of 50 – found an association between regular volunteering, lower risk of mortality, and better physical functioning.
The bottom line? Practicing kindness is a win-win for everyone involved.
More on healthy aging:
Meditation and mindfulness may be as effective as medication for treating certain conditions
‘Livin’ on a prayer’: The impact of spirituality and religion on longevity
The health and longevity benefits of nature therapy
Giving thanks: Practicing gratitude linked with greater longevity
9 expert tips to protect your mental health…and your lifespan
Content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns regarding a medical condition.
