“Caring for others brought us HAPPINESS”

THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT acts of kindness are of great benefit to the recipient. But they can bring a multitude of benefits to the giver, too. German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once described kindness as ‘the golden chain by which society is bound’. It’s a beautiful sentiment backed up by science.

‘Kindness benefits our health, physically and mentally. You don’t need grand gestures, money or much of an imagination to make someone’s day while giving yourself a boost too,’ says Dr Mark Winwood, director of psychological services at AXA PPP Healthcare (axappphealthcare.co.uk).

‘Kindness boosts serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters in your brain responsible for feelings of satisfaction, reward and wellbeing. Like exercise, kindness and altruism release endorphins – that euphoric feeling money can’t buy.’

Kindness also releases the hormone oxytocin, which lowers your blood pressure. It also activates the areas of the brain that are associated