It’s World Kindness Day! Celebrate by making a commitment to engage in small acts of kindness. You might be surprised at how much it improves your well-being.

Can being kind to others really lift your mood? Research indicates yes. A study conducted by the American Psychiatric Association last year revealed that 89% of people who had shown kindness to others said it made them feel better. And the effect goes both ways – 90% of people on the receiving end of small acts of kindness felt better, too.

According to the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, scientifically proven benefits of being kind to others – or even witnessing acts of kindness – include:

• Increased production of oxytocin – the “love hormone.” Oxytocin has a calming effect and can raise self-esteem and optimism.

• An energy boost, along with greater feelings of self-worth.

• A possible longer lifespan. People ages 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organizations have a 44% lower likelihood of dying earlier.

• Increased production of serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical your body produces that can help boost your mood.

Demonstrating kindness can also decrease stress, lower anxiety and reduce your risk for depression, the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation said. It can even lower your blood pressure.

Showing Kindness Through Volunteering

Researchers think that acts of kindness boost overall well-being in part because others show appreciation when we help them, which makes us feel good about ourselves. In-person acts of kindness are particularly effective because they involve social connections, which are critical to overall health.

Student volunteer Hemang Kasini said it best this summer when reflecting on his volunteer experience at Aultman Hospital: “When I help people, they look happy, and that makes me happy,” he said. “Recently, there was a couple who couldn’t find the Cancer Center. When I directed them there, they were so pleased – thanking me and saying, ‘Bless you for being so kind.’ It made me feel like I’d made a difference in this world.”

Volunteers across Aultman Health System have selflessly given thousands of hours to assist staff, patients and families. Their responsibilities range from helping families feel comfortable as they await updates on their loved one’s health to restocking supplies to delivering flowers – and helping anywhere they can.

Here’s what Aultman volunteers say about their motivations for volunteering.

I like to volunteer to meet new people. Volunteering gets me out of the house, and I like experiencing new things. I find volunteering at Aultman Hospital so very rewarding.
~ Cathy Kinsinger, 280 hours, volunteer since 2017

As a retired RN, I miss the healthcare environment. I also like being of service to others. I find volunteering gratifying and I like to focus on others and hopefully benefit the public and patients. I love seeing such a variety of people; it makes me appreciate diversity more.
~ Judy Stauder, 600 hours, volunteer since 2021

What motivates me is using my free time in a positive and productive way by helping others. I also like to meet and talk to all people.
~ Julie Simile, 182 hours, volunteer since July 2023

If you’d like to experience the benefits of kindness by volunteering at Aultman, visit aultman.org/volunteer and aultman.org/hospicevolunteer for more information.

You can also make a difference in your everyday life. The next time you feel tense and upset and are tempted to snap at someone or isolate yourself – stop. Do something kind for someone instead. You’ll feel better, and they will too.

Sources:
American Psychiatric Association
Aultman Health System
Random Acts of Kindness Foundation