Benevolence is such a beautiful word. It simply means being kind to someone.

What’s so amazing about being kind to others, is that you will immediately reap a reward of feeling good within yourself for caring for another. There is scientific evidence to support the benefits of kindness.

According to an SSMHealth physician, “Research shows that kindness can be cardioprotective. It can decrease blood pressure and cortisol, a stress hormone, which directly impacts stress levels. Oxytocin releases nitric oxide. Nitric oxide dilates your blood vessels and thereby reduces your blood pressure and improves heart health. There’s also research looking at oxytocin and its effects on reducing inflammation. Reducing inflammation, in some ways, protects you from some chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes and cancer and that leads to overall better health and overall longevity.”

WOW!

Human beings are so intricately and interdependently made, that our well-being can be improved or diminished based on how we treat others!

As you consider participating in acts of kindness, it doesn’t have to be anything big or expensive. Start with smiling at people as you pass them by. Maybe a salutation, such as “Hello” or “Good morning.”  Perhaps you could allow someone to go in front of you in the grocery line, at a red light, or at the gas station. Offer to help someone whom you see struggling with something. Surprise someone with a “Thinking of You” card, a text, or a phone call, just because.

These are all ways to up your kindness-game. It will not only make you feel good to do something nice, you can best believe, you will leave every person you touch with kindness thinking…

Wow.

Image by lauraelatimer from Pixabay