The Secret to Happiness: Exposed! Treat People Nice and Live a Good Life.
Models: Andrew, Shane, Jenifer, Ashley, Ashley
Updated: A Special Quarantine list of ideas is at the bottom.
Happiness is hard to define, but, with some thought, most would agree that it
includes a sense of well-being, less negative emotions and frequent positive
emotions.
When you think about being happy what else comes to mind?
•Infrequent stress and anxiety?
•Well Being / Less illness?
There is one thing that can offer happiness in these ways, and more. Kindness.
Anxiety
Kindness can actually ease anxiety. If you are 1 of the 40 million people who
have suffered from anxiety then you know how debilitating it can be. So, how
does being a kind person ease anxiety?
Research that was done at The University of British Columbia has shown how
doing good deeds for someone promotes more positive perceptions and
expectations of a person's social environment; therefore, reducing social anxiety.
Being kind to people led to more positive moods, as well.
"When we feel Love and Kindness toward others, it not only makes others
feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also develop inner Happiness and
Peace".-Dalai Lama
Stress and Mood
Psychologists have found that there is a correlation between being kind and changing chemicals
in our brains.
When we are stressed out we may feel nervous, tense or even have physical
pains. Being stressed out is no joke, but there are ways to deal with it.
Avoiding caffeine, getting some exercise and being kind to someone is just a few
ways we can reduce stress.
Being kind can also reduce stress by increasing *serotonin and releasing
*endorphins into our bodies.
*Serotonin is called the "Happy Hormone"; because it
helps us with mood, stress, anxiety, and happiness.
(Feeling depressed? Anxiety? PMS? These may be symptoms of low serotonin.)
*Endorphins are associated with feelings of pleasure, euphoria and
motivation.
If that doesn’t convince you to be kind then I know this final fact will.
Our Heart
Finally, kindness can be good for our hearts by releasing a chemical called
oxytocin. According to Dr. David Hamilton (The 5 Effects of Kindness); "Oxytocin
causes the release of a chemical called nitric oxide in blood vessels, which dilates
(expands) the blood vessels. This reduces blood pressure and therefore oxytocin is known as a cardioprotective’ hormone because it protects the heart (by lowering blood
pressure).”
So, not only does being kind cause a sense of well-being, reduce stress and
anxiety, but it's also good for your heart!
It seems like being kind is the secret to a happy and healthy life. So, get out there
and be kind, help someone, volunteer, smile and live happily!
Edit: Since we are dealing with a national emergency right now and we have to quarantine ourselves, we must come up with other ways to help others from inside our homes.
Here are some ideas on how to be kind from inside:
1. Offer advice/help online or over the phone to someone who may be confused.
2. Help someone by allowing them to express their concerns and anxieties to you.
Sometimes being a listening ear is all someone needs to feel better.
3. Do you have a special talent? Good at cooking? Dancing? Make some free materials to share online. You can create YouTube videos to help others or share your expertise!
4. Play a game with someone online- (kid-approved!)
5. Make someone a meal.
6. Call elderly family + neighbors that may be lonely.
7. Color or create a photo or letter and send it to someone.
8. Send cheerful emails and texts!
9. Share recipes/ideas online.
10. When you go out to the store/public make it a point to treat people nicely. Share a smile from across the room! You never know it may just make someone's day; including yours!
Reference:
www.thedaily-life.com
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us