Could Kindness save your life?

You may be also benefiting yourself when you help somebody else out. There have been numerous studies done identifying that kindness and helping others can induce both neurological and physiological benefits (Dalai Lama XIV & Cutler, 1998, p. 126). One famous study done by David McClelland showed an increase in an antibody responsible for fighting respiratory infection, immunoglobulin-A, after a group of students watched a film about Mother Teresa helping those in sickness and in unfortunate circumstances (Dalai Lama XIV & Cutler, 1998, p. 126). The film stimulated compassionate feelings. (Dalai Lama XIV & Cutler, 1998, p. 126). Regularly volunteering was also found to increase longevity shown in a research study at the University of Michigan Research Center by James House. (Dalai Lama XIV & Cutler, 1998, p. 126). In fact, one study even found that those who do not help may be prone to death after a stressful life event by 30%. (Poulin, Brown, Dillard, & Smith, 2013). We all know how good it feel after we serve somebody else often called “helper’s high.” To do good and have compassion is avery innate human characteristic that science has just caught up with. In serving others we are really serving ourselves and our livelihood. 

Who will you serve today?  

Citations 

Bstan-ʼdzin-rgya-mtsho (Dalai Lama XIV), & Cutler, H. C. (1998). The art of happiness: A handbook for living. Riverhead Books.

Poulin, M. J., Brown, S. L., Dillard, A. J., & Smith, D. M. (2013). Giving to others and the association between stress and mortality. American Journal of Public Health, 103(9), 1649–1655. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2012.300876