There are many reasons random acts of kindness are good for the giver and the receiver.
New research on mental health finds that performing random acts of kindness may reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Random acts of kindness refer to kind, benevolent and helpful actions intentionally directed towards 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.
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.
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. 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.
Random Acts of Kindness Decks from Hack Decks™
Our Random Acts of Kindness Deck offers great suggestions for showing inexpensive, easy-to-do random acts of kindness toward others. Little gestures go a long way, and our ideas can be done by anyone. From small children to older adults, our random acts of kindness show that you can be the change in the world or the pebble from which other actions spread. Showing kindness to another human being not only improves their lives, but ours as well. Showing kindness to others has a mental health benefit. This is known as the "helper's high."
Pick up a deck of 52 Random Acts of Kindness cards and make the world a better place. Showing these gestures of kindness to others sets an example for our children to see, for others to emulate, and to bring joy into the world. The prompts are easy to complete and fun to do in the process. Give to others as a way of giving to yourself.