While it may seem like we’re born to be cutthroat, studies show that humans are actually innately wired for kindness. It is in our very nature to see ourselves in one another and want to help those in distress. Compassion is part of being human. It’s a key element of happiness and health, and it’s something we can cultivate.
And studies show being kind and of good character makes other people find you more attractive! Bonus!!
Week three of UC Berkeley’s Science of Happiness course is all about compassion — the feeling of understanding another’s plight and wanting to help — how it’s part of our internal evolutionary wiring and how acting with kindness makes us happier. Helping others and sharing our resources brings us just as much pleasure as gratifying a personal desire, according to researchers measuring the brains of volunteers.
The impulse to give and feel joy as a result appears to be innate, as even very young children demonstrate these tendencies.
And kindness is really good for us humans, both physically and mentally. Studies show performing acts of kindness:
— increases life expectancy
— improves immune system and overall health
— reduces reported experience of aches, pains and depression
— protects against heart disease as much as aspirin therapy.
And it makes the people around you think you’re better looking. So get cuter by being kind today! Consider:
— Holding the door for someone.
— Letting someone go ahead of you, in traffic or the grocery checkout line.
— Buying a small gift for a friend, or for yourself. (Studies show you’ll actually be happier buying something for a friend.)
— Calling someone just to see how they’re doing.
— Giving money or time to charity.
— Paying someone a compliment.
— Practicing lovingkindness meditation where you direct compassion to yourself, your friends, your enemies and the world.