Harry Styles' motto is "Treat People With Kindness", and it turns out that's more than just a life mantra - it's a way to be healthy too!
A new study published by CNN claims that putting the well-being of others first, without expecting anything return, stimulates the reward portion of your brain to create a "Helper's high" that can create feelings of joy, work as a pain reliever, and hope your overall health.
A few suggestions from the study:
- Volunteer. Studies show that volunteering minimizes stress and reduces depression, so find a cause that's important to you and carve out some time to make a difference.
- Donate. This may not be something you can do, but if you have a few extra bucks or even stuff laying around that you're not using, donate it local shelters, your local Goodwill, or any other organization that can use it. Donating to others reduces blood pressure and improves heart health.
- Give a compliment to someone. It doesn't require money or time, makes someone else's day better, and can boost your own happiness. In fact, scientists believe that giving one compliment per day can improve your own level of happiness in as little as three days.
- Overtip your delivery person. Hey, we're ALL relying so much more on Amazon, UberEats, and DoorDash. Give a little extra to the person bringing you what you need, and it's likely to boost your happiness and health as well.
- Walk a neighbor's dog. Got elderly folks around you that need some help walking a dog? Volunteer to do it! It's great exercise, dogs make us happy, and it lines up with volunteering in that being helpful triggers that reward center in your brain.
So "treat people with kindness" and make yourself happier and healthier too!