How Kindness Affects Mental Health

Did you know that performing acts of kindness can significantly lower stress and anxiety? When we perform acts of kindness, our brains produce a hormone called oxytocin. This hormone substantially reduces the effects of stress and anxiety, allowing acts of kindness to take away the weight or worry you may feel.

If you've been feeling anxious or stressed out lately, here are a few ways you can perform an act of kindness in your community:

Serve at your local church.

Find a way to serve or volunteer at your church. Being a part of a faith community is already essential to your mental health, so take it a step further by serving that community by doing something you love! This can be leading worship, volunteering with the kids' ministry, painting, or more.

Volunteer at a local school.

Local schools typically welcome volunteers, especially if your child already attends there! Contact the schools in your area to see what needs you can meet. This could look like helping in the library, substitute teaching, or volunteering in the cafeteria.

Help a neighbor.

Don't want to go too far? Find a neighbor near you and lend a helping hand! Mow their yard, bake them some cookies, or offer to take their dog on a walk. Just make sure you ask them what you can help with before jumping in!

Watch how these acts of kindness help you and affect your stress and anxiety levels!