There are many reasons random acts of kindness are good for the giver and the receiver. From reduced anxiety to stronger social bonds, the mental health benefits of kindness are backed by research and greater than most people realize.
Random acts of kindness refer to kind, benevolent and helpful actions intentionally directed toward another person. They are typically motivated by the desire to help another rather than gain reward or to avoid punishment. This is called detached engagement, where you do not expect anything from the act that you offer.
What the research says about kindness and mental health
New research on mental health finds that performing random acts of kindness may reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
In the study from researchers at the University of Ohio, people with elevated symptoms of depression or anxiety were randomly assigned to engage in random acts of kindness. They were also encouraged to join in social activities or participate in a brief intervention based on cognitive behavioral therapy. All three interventions were found to reduce symptoms, lessen distress and improve life satisfaction.
However, the acts of kindness showed greater benefits for social connection than either of the other two interventions.
The authors of the study note that gestures of kindness have distinct benefits versus general social interaction. "Random acts of kindness may more effectively improve social connection and related dimensions of well-being than prevailing cognitive behavioral therapy techniques," the authors at the University of Ohio concluded.
The study also provides some insight into the process. Participating in random acts of kindness helped the individuals with depression or anxiety to divert their attention from themselves and take their minds off their own symptoms. This is a key point, as many who give to others actually improve their own mental health in the process.
More research findings on kindness and well-being
Research has also found that random acts of kindness can increase happiness and self-esteem, while decreasing stress and emotional reactivity.
People may limit their random acts of kindness because they underestimate their value, according to a recent study. Researchers found that while a giver looked at the value of the item or action, the receiver saw greater value in the warmth of the gesture and the positive social interaction. Another feature of random acts of kindness, supported by research, is that it can be contagious. In fact, people who received acts of kindness were more likely to be more generous themselves.
Everyday simple, random acts of kindness can contribute to boosting your mood, reducing stress, and possibly alleviating symptoms of depression or anxiety. In addition, what might seem like a small kind gesture could have a greater impact than you might think.
How to start practicing random acts of kindness
The mental health benefits of kindness don't require grand gestures. Here are some simple ways to start:
- Hold the door for someone and make eye contact
- Leave a kind note for a coworker or neighbor
- Pay for the order of the person behind you in line
- Send a thoughtful message to someone you haven't spoken to in a while
- Offer to help a new parent or someone going through a hard time
- Volunteer an hour for a cause you care about
Research shows that the value of these acts is often greater to the receiver than the giver realizes. You have more positive impact than you think.
The helper's high: why giving feels good
Showing kindness to another human being not only improves their lives, but ours as well. This mental health benefit is known as the "helper's high." From small children to older adults, random acts of kindness show that one person can be the change in the world, or the pebble from which other actions spread.
Show kindness to the new mom in your life
One of the most meaningful random acts of kindness you can offer is showing up for someone who truly needs it. New moms are often running on empty, and a thoughtful, practical gift can make a real difference in both of your days.
The New Mama Deck® is a card deck of 52 prompts designed to help new moms navigate the first year with more confidence and less stress. Giving it as a gift is a simple, heartfelt way to say: I see you, and I want to help. That's the helper's high in action.
Shop New Mama Deck® today and give the new mom in your life a genuine act of kindness. Delegate to the Deck®.
