• 7/12/2017
  • Written by: Charity Daya

In brief. Yes. Experts have been studying the science of kindness for decades and much has been written about the benefits of being kind. Kindness makes us feel good, mentally and physically.

In his book, the five side effects of kindness, David R Hamilton explains how kindness changes our brain chemistry. And this is the science bit. It boosts levels of dopamine and serotonin, which are chemical messengers involved with positive emotions. It also produces oxytocin, the ‘bonding hormone’. It even produces endorphins – the brain’s natural versions of morphine and heroin. Kindness really does give us a legal high. 

If you have been on the recieving end of some kindness, you may recall how it made you feel. I'm pretty certain it wasn't unhappiness or misery? The feelings that rise up inside us when we witness kindness or some other act of moral beauty, or when we give or recieve kindness lead to a whole array of positive emotions.