Researchers at the University of Toronto point out that being kind and performing acts of kindness positively impact our mental health.
In this study, nearly 1,000 participants recruited in Canada and the US were randomly assigned to perform prosocial, self-centered, or neutral behaviors three days a week for three weeks.
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Among people who did not change their routine, performing kind acts had no effect on their well-being. However, for those who were fully involved in the study, consistently engaging in behaviors outside of their normal routine, acts of kindness had greater boosts to their well-being and mental health compared to those who treated themselves by spending money.
And the results were even more detailed, showing that those who fully engaged in their kind acts resulted in reductions in anxiety and depression. Some have found that spending energy on other people (particularly those less fortunate) makes our own problems seem less urgent.
The study found that treating others often means spending time with them, building and reinforcing relationships and, according to Meena Andiappan, one of the researchers involved, “Strong social relationships are the key to happiness. Likewise, when other people are present, we tend to smile a lot more – essentially experiencing positive emotions more often.”The Conversation“.
Research has also suggested that leading a meaningful life will lead a person to feel good. In contrast, spending – whether time, money or effort – on yourself doesn’t seem to have the same benefits.
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