Believe it or not, kindness is the key ingredient of happiness. One cannot thrive in society without being kind or experiencing the act of kindness in any form. Kindness, as the American dictionary puts it, is the quality of being generous, gentle, helpful, and caring towards other people. In simple terms, it is showing consideration for others and showing love in action. It involves actions, words, or gestures that show care, empathy, and a desire to make someone’s life better, whether through small acts of service or thoughtful gestures. Like the wonders, it is at once simple and complex, covering itself with multiple layers yet making itself visible. It can be as simple as a smile, a compliment, or helping someone in need. It is all about treating others with respect and understanding, without expecting anything in return. This trait seems to be inbuilt in most living beings. Yet many choose to bury it deep under their skin for their own reasons.
Understanding the science behind kindness
The science behind kindness touches upon psychology, neuroscience, and even evolutionary biology. When a person engages in kind actions, our brains release a variety of chemicals that impact our emotional and physical well-being.
In response to kind actions, our body releases oxytocin (the love hormone), dopamine (the feel-good neurotransmitter), endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers and mood enhancers), and serotonin (the mood-regulating neurotransmitter). Studies show that practicing kindness leads to an increase in happiness, reduces stress levels, and builds emotional resilience, benefiting overall well-being. Research shows that people who engage in consistent acts of kindness have better emotional well-being, feel more connected to others, and are generally healthier.
Kindness is crucial for survival. As social creatures, we rely on cooperation and reciprocity. Being kind will strengthen social bonds, create support networks, and promote group survival. The sense of community and belonging that comes with kindness is essential for both individual and collective well-being. Kindness has a rippling effect on society. It not only benefits the giver and receiver but also those who witness it. People who witness kindness can feel inspired to perform their own kind acts. This ‘rippling effect’ can create a culture of kindness that spreads through communities. It’s a powerful, positive force that can improve not only our lives but also the lives of those around us.
Volunteering is a form of kindness
Volunteering is a voluntary act of a person or group to give their time and labour for community service without any monetary compensation. It can take many forms, ranging from helping individuals or communities in need, supporting nonprofit organizations, or contributing to social, environmental, or humanitarian causes.
Volunteering is one of the most impactful ways to practice kindness because it involves giving your time, energy, and skills to help others without expecting anything in return. In reality, you are contributing to something larger than yourself by helping others in need. This selfless act is a direct demonstration of kindness. It benefits both the giver and the receiver. It also has long-lasting positive effects on community cohesion.
How does volunteering benefit mental health?
Time and again, studies have shown that volunteering can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health. Engaging in volunteer work can help in improving the psychological well-being of a person in numerous ways. Some of them are discussed below.
- Reduces stress and anxiety: When a person is involved in volunteer work, he experiences an increased sense of happiness and fulfillment. It is because the brain releases oxytocin to create a sense of warmth, connection, and joy; dopamine to make us feel happy and satisfied; and endorphins to improve mood and reduce stress. Engaging in meaningful activity is the best way to temporarily take our minds off personal worries and find a sense of calm and balance. Further, volunteering often provides a sense of purpose and meaning, and it is a powerful antidote to feelings of emptiness or depression. Research shows that people who volunteer regularly experience lower levels of depression compared to those who don’t.
- Boosts self-esteem and confidence: When a person helps others without expecting anything in return, he feels valuable and important, especially when he sees the positive impact of his actions. This in turn will boost his self-worth and encourage a sense of purpose. Also, volunteering will help him to learn and develop new skills, take on new challenges, and gain a sense of mastery. Feeling effective and competent contributes to a more positive self-image. Meanwhile, completing tasks and achieving goals in a volunteer setting gives one a sense of accomplishment, leading to greater satisfaction with their actions. This in turn will help him to enhance his confidence level.
- Supports cognitive health: Volunteering often involves learning new things, problem-solving, engaging in social interactions, and emotional processing. Many volunteer roles require critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making, be it for planning events, coordinating activities, or troubleshooting issues. These activities in turn will stimulate cognitive functions and help maintain mental sharpness. Also, when one learns a new skill or concept that challenges their brain, they are developing their cognitive resilience. Regularly engaging in new experiences keeps their mind flexible and sharp. Learning new information, interacting with different people, and remembering details related to volunteer work can help enhance both short-term and long-term memory. The mental challenge of recalling tasks and adapting to new environments keeps the brain engaged and active.
- Promotes a positive mindset: Volunteering encourages a person to think about the needs of others rather than dwelling on their own problems. By focusing on the well-being of others, one can gain a new perspective on their own challenges, making them seem less overwhelming. Also, when people are exposed to people in even more difficult situations, they feel a great sense of gratitude. It in turn will shift their attention from what’s lacking in their life to what’s abundant. Volunteering helps one understand different perspectives and increases empathy for people with varied life experiences. When one connects with others through compassion, it not only benefits them but also reinforces positive emotions in themselves. Acts of kindness and empathy boost emotional well-being. Studies show that altruistic behaviors activate areas of the brain associated with happiness and well-being. The more one gives, the more positive emotions they experience.
- Fights isolation and loneliness: Volunteering provides you with an opportunity to meet new people, form friendships, and become part of a supportive community. Regular social interaction with others through volunteering helps foster a sense of belonging and connection. This is not just waves of loneliness, but also crucial for good mental health. Strong relationships support positive thinking and create a sense of social fulfillment.
Volunteering is a powerful tool for enhancing mental health. By improving mood, reducing stress, building social connections, and increasing self-esteem, it helps create a positive feedback loop of well-being. It also nurtures a positive mindset by providing opportunities for personal growth, creating social connections, boosting self-esteem, and fostering feelings of gratitude and purpose that are essential for mental well-being. Whether it’s the sense of accomplishment, the relief from stress, or the social bonds formed, volunteering offers a multitude of mental health benefits that can improve one’s overall quality of life.
