The proverb “it’s better to give than to receive” is one we’re all familiar with, and science actually supports this wisdom. Acts of empathy and kindness have been shown to boost happiness and improve overall well-being. Kindness not only improves emotional health but also helps reduce stress.

However, practicing kindness in real life can be more challenging than it seems, especially compared to the ease of online gestures. Showing kindness to others, particularly those in need, leads to positive emotional outcomes and has an effect on the vulnerable.

Experts suggest that kindness can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and promote better heart health. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of kindness for your heart and how you can cultivate compassion in everyday life.

How kindness benefits your heart:

1. Maintains heart health and promotes contentment:Being kind to others is more likely to keep you content, rather than stressed, anxious or depressed. Acts of kindness are also a form of self-care. Stress, known to negatively affect heart health, can raise blood pressure and even trigger a heart attack. Therefore, showing kindness and empathy not only helps others but also protects your own heart. In fact, kindness has a healing power that can safeguard your well-being.
2. Lowers blood pressure:When you’re kind to others, your body naturally releases the ‘love hormone’, oxytocin. This hormone causes blood vessels to dilate, thereby reducing blood pressure. In turn, this lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes, strengthening and protecting your heart.
3. Reduces anxiety and depression:Kindness promotes positive social interactions and helps you connect with others. Feeling part of a community or helping those in need fosters resilience against anxiety and depression, both of which can negatively impact heart health and increase the risk of heart attacks. If you aim to improve your cardiovascular health, practicing compassion towards others can make a significant difference.
4. Caring for others encourages self-care:Showing kindness to others brings long-term benefits for both the giver and the receiver. It can also enhance our sense of self-worth, making us feel better about ourselves.
5. Decreases loneliness and fosters a sense of belonging:Helping others is a key way to form, maintain, and strengthen social bonds. Volunteering and assisting others provides a sense of belonging, fosters new friendships, and creates connections within a community. For instance, volunteering at a food bank can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.