essay about the act of kindness

Essay on Kindness

500 words essay on kindness.

The world we live in today has been through a lot of things from world wars to epidemics, but one thing which remained constant throughout was resilience and kindness. Moreover, it was the spirit to fight back and help out each other. Kindness must be an essential and universal quality to make the world a better place. Through an essay on kindness, we will go through it in detail.

Importance of Kindness

Kindness towards nature, animals and other people has the ability to transform the world and make it a beautiful place for living. But, it is also important to remember that kindness towards you is also essential for personal growth.

Kindness is basically being polite, compassionate and thoughtful. Every religion and faith teaches its followers to be kind. Most importantly, kindness must not limit to humans but also to every living creature.

Even nature has its own way of showing kindness. For instance, the trees grow fruits for us and provide us with shade. One must not see kindness as a core value but as a fundamental behavioural element. When you are kind to your loved ones, you create a stable base.

As people are becoming more self-centred today, we must learn kindness. We must try to integrate it into ourselves. You might not know how a small act of kindness can bring about a change in someone’s life. So, be kind always.

Kindness Always Wins

There is no doubt that kindness always wins and it has been proven time and again by people. Sid is a greedy man who does not share his wealth with anyone, not even his family members.

He also does not pay his workers well. One day, he loses his bag of gold coins and loses his temper. Everyone helps him out to search for it but no one finds it. Finally, his worker’s little son finds the bag.

Upon checking the bag, he sees all the coins are there. But, his greed makes him play a trick on the poor worker. He claims that there were more coins in the bag and the worker stole them.

The issue goes to the court and the judge confirms from Sid whether his bag had more coins to which he agrees. So, the judge rules out that as Sid’s bag had more coins , the bag which the worker’s son found is not his.

Therefore, the bag gets handed to the worker as no one else claims it. Consequently, you see how the worker’s son act of kindness won and paid him well. On the other hand, how Sid’s greediness resulted in his loss only.

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Conclusion of the Essay on Kindness

It is essential for all of us to understand the value of kindness. Always remember, it does not cost anything to be kind. It may be a little compliment or it can be a grand gesture, no matter how big or small, kindness always matters. Therefore, try your best to be kind to everyone around you.

FAQ of Essay on Kindness

Question 1: Why is it important to be kind?

Answer 1: It is important to be kind because it makes one feel good about oneself. When you do things for other people and help them with anything, it makes you feel warm and that you have accomplished something. Moreover, you also get respect in return.

Question 2: Why is kindness so powerful?

Answer 2: Kindness has a lot of benefits which includes increased happiness and a healthy heart . It slows down the ageing process and also enhances relationships and connections, which will indirectly boost your health.

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Essay on Act of Kindness

Students are often asked to write an essay on Act of Kindness in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Act of Kindness

Understanding kindness.

Kindness is a quality that involves being friendly, generous, and considerate. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference in other people’s lives in ways we may not even realize.

Importance of Kindness

Kindness is important because it broadens life’s frame of reference. People who are kind are happier and they spread positivity around them.

Examples of Kindness

Simple acts like giving a smile to a stranger, helping an elderly cross the road, or sharing your lunch with a friend are all acts of kindness.

Kindness is a simple yet powerful way to show others that they matter and are valued.

Also check:

• Paragraph on Act of Kindness

250 Words Essay on Act of Kindness

The essence of kindness.

Kindness, a simple act that holds immense power, has the potential to transform lives in a profound manner. It’s a universal language that transcends borders, cultures, and religions, and is fundamental to human existence.

The Impact of Kindness

The ripple effect of a single act of kindness can be far-reaching. It not only uplifts the recipient’s spirits, but also positively influences the benefactor’s psychological wellbeing. Studies suggest that kindness stimulates the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that induces feelings of happiness and contentment.

Kindness and Society

In a society often marred by strife and discord, acts of kindness serve as a potent antidote. They foster social cohesion, promote empathy and understanding, and counteract the detrimental effects of stress, aggression, and antisocial behavior.

Kindness as a Learned Behavior

Kindness is not an innate trait, but a learned behavior. It requires conscious effort and practice to cultivate. Educational institutions play a crucial role in promoting kindness, instilling in students the values of compassion, empathy, and respect for others.

In conclusion, acts of kindness, no matter how small, have the power to make a significant difference in the world. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us remember that kindness costs nothing, but its value is immeasurable. It is the cornerstone of a harmonious society and a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

500 Words Essay on Act of Kindness

Kindness is a universal language that transcends all barriers. It is the act of demonstrating love, compassion, and empathy towards others, regardless of their race, religion, or social status. Kindness is a virtue that is not only beneficial to the recipient but also to the person who practices it.

Impact of Kindness on Society

Kindness has a profound impact on society. It fosters a sense of community and mutual respect among individuals. When people are kind to each other, they create a positive environment that encourages cooperation and harmony. Kindness can also be a powerful tool for social change. It can help to alleviate social inequalities and injustices by promoting understanding and acceptance.

Kindness and Psychological Well-being

The act of kindness has significant implications for psychological well-being. It can increase happiness, reduce stress, and improve mental health. When we perform acts of kindness, our brain releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller. This release induces a feeling of well-being and satisfaction, often referred to as the “helper’s high”. Furthermore, kindness can help to build self-esteem and a positive self-image, as it allows individuals to feel valued and appreciated.

Kindness and Physical Health

Kindness also has physiological benefits. It can lower blood pressure, reduce heart disease, and boost the immune system. This is because acts of kindness often result in feelings of happiness and contentment, which can have a positive impact on physical health.

Kindness in Practice

Kindness can be practiced in many ways. It can be as simple as a smile, a kind word, or a thoughtful gesture. It can also involve more substantial acts, such as volunteering, donating to charity, or helping someone in need. Despite the form it takes, the act of kindness always has the potential to make a significant difference in someone’s life.

The Ripple Effect of Kindness

Kindness creates a ripple effect. When we are kind to someone, they are more likely to be kind to others. This cycle of kindness can spread throughout a community, creating a culture of empathy and respect. Moreover, kindness can inspire others to act similarly, thus perpetuating the cycle.

In conclusion, kindness is a powerful force that can transform individuals and societies. It has psychological, physical, and societal benefits, making it an essential aspect of human interaction. By practicing kindness, we can create a more compassionate and understanding world. As college students, we are in a unique position to foster this culture of kindness. By incorporating kindness into our daily lives, we can create a ripple effect that extends beyond our immediate environment, contributing to a more harmonious and empathetic society.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Importance of Kindness
• Essay on Kindness Is Compassion in Action
• Essay on How to Avoid an Argument

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

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✍️Essay on Kindness: Samples in 100, 150 and 200 Words

• Updated on  
• Nov 2, 2023

Research says that being kind to someone or vice versa can positively rewire your brain. Kindness is when one is generous to another person. Well, in today’s world, it is very difficult. We can hardly find anyone. Do you wish to bring a change in your lifestyle ? Well, you have come to the right place. Today, we will be talking about kindness in depth. Here, in this article, we have compiled several sample essays on kindness which describe this topic in depth. 

Table of Contents

• 1 Importance of Kindness
• 2 Essay on Kindness in 100 Words
• 3 Essay on Kindness in 150 Words
• 4 Essay on Kindness in 200 Words

Importance of Kindness

Kindness is an effortless yet powerful gesture which put a very positive impact on someone’s life. In the academic community, this gesture is seen as an attitude that can create a huge impact on one’s achievement. 

Speaking in a bit of a medical language, being kind to someone boosts serotonin and dopamine. These brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, are what light up your reward and pleasure centres and give you a sense of fulfilment.

This doesn’t end here. Kindness has been shown to have cardioprotective effects. It can lower blood pressure and the stress hormone cortisol, which in turn affects stress levels. 

Speaking of which, here, we have compiled an essay on kindness which will provide you with more information on this topic. Let’s dive in. 

Also Read: Essay on the Importance of the English Language for Students

Essay on Kindness in 100 Words

Being kind is a basic virtue which is very important for humankind to create a world that is more peaceful and compassionate. It is one of the most straightforward acts which can be shown by anyone to others without expecting anything in return. When it comes to showing kindness, there are many ways by which one can show it. These include opening doors for others giving your time to support a good cause or simply being with them during their hard times. 

Always remember that even showing a tiny act of kindness can create a huge impact in someone’s life or simply make their day better. 

Also Read: Essay on Save Environment: Samples in 100, 200, 300 Words

Essay on Kindness in 150 Words

Kindness is a feeling of being generous, friendly and considerate. In a world full of hatred and cruelty, kindness is what one can spread. You never know whom you might someone from a having bad day. One can simply start spreading kindness in the community they are living in. 

One of the best examples to describe the word kindness would be Mother Teresa . She devoted her entire life to caring for the destitute and dying in the slums of Calcutta (Kolkata). She is considered to be one of the greatest humanitarians the world has ever produced.

Speaking of kindness, doing little things such as opening a door for someone. Helping an elderly person cross the street, or holding things of someone are some basic things which can be done.

To conclude, kindness is contagious. It can spread like wildfire. Therefore, in a world where there is so much hatred, and cruelty, where people are fighting. One can be kind which will provoke others to do the same. 

Also Read: Essay on Unity in Diversity in 100 to 200 Words

Essay on Kindness in 200 Words

Kindness is one of the most important qualities which people should have. This is very important to create a more compassionate and harmonious world. The simple act of being considerate towards others and not expecting anything in return is kindness. The word ‘kindness’ can be expressed in many different ways. From helping someone during tough times to helping an old lady cross the street is what best describes this word. 

Other than this, kindness is also beneficial for our well-being. Studies show that people who are kind to people around them tend to be more happy than others. This is because of the endorphins which are released. They contribute towards mood-boosting and pain-relieving effects. Not only this, kindness has also proved to have reduced stress levels and improved cardiovascular health.

To conclude, I would like to leave you all with a thought. In today’s times, we hardly come across kind people. Consider ourselves, we may feel for others around us going through the bad phase but how often do we reach out and assist them? It is our responsibility to nurture kindness in ourselves before we can ask others to do the same for us.

Related Articles 

We hope after reading some of these essays on kindness, your perspective on kindness would have changed. Always remember, everyone is fighting their own battles, so the best you can do is be a little kind and bring a smile to their face. Signing off!

There are certain advantages to our happiness and general well-being for those of us who are kind and caring. Perhaps we will live longer. Additionally, kindness lowers stress and enhances mental health.

These expressions describe persons who are kind, considerate, and considerate of others’ feelings.

Kindness belongs to the human virtue category and is one of the 24 universal character strengths.

For more information on such interesting topics, visit our essay-writing page and follow Leverage Edu ! 

Malvika Chawla

Malvika is a content writer cum news freak who comes with a strong background in Journalism and has worked with renowned news websites such as News 9 and The Financial Express to name a few. When not writing, she can be found bringing life to the canvasses by painting on them.

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Why Kindness Matters

Boosts to life satisfaction and physical and mental well-being..

Posted March 8, 2023 | Reviewed by Vanessa Lancaster

• What Is Resilience?
• Find a therapist near me
• Showing up kindly for others benefits both parties.
• Kindness has the power to boost satisfaction, happiness, and physical and mental well-being.
• Each of us has the capacity to show up kindly and make a difference in the world of another.

Kindness is about showing up in the world with compassion and acting for the greater good of all. While being nice is about being polite, pleasant, and agreeable and doing what we think we should, kindness goes a step beyond.

Kind humans know that life is hard, messy, and complex. Yet they understand that people are doing their best with the tools, resources, and experience they carry. Charles Glassman captured this by saying, “Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle.”

Many people view kindness as a weakness, but it's quite the opposite. It is a sign of strength. It is moving from "me" to "we," seeing the bigger picture, and loaning someone your strength and support. Supporting someone by doing whatever you can, wherever you are, with whatever you have is a sign of who you are—a kind human.

Kindness is doing the things that may go without acknowledgment and thanks. Authentic and intentional kindness doesn’t expect anything in return. We can practice kindness for kindness’ sake, not for the personal gain or the approval of others.

Kindness is a universal language that can bring people together regardless of age, race, ethnicity , religion, status, and identity . The good news is that it’s completely free too! I don’t think the saying “kindness makes the world go ‘round” came about without reason.

Benefits of Kindness

Most of us will have heard that "doing good is good for you" or "it’s better to give than to receive." It may be a surprise to learn that the research genuinely supports this. When we show up for others kindly, the benefits go both ways. Practicing kindness for the sake of kindness is one of the greatest gifts we can give to others and ourselves.

Research shows that being kind boosts the production of the feel-good hormones (serotonin and dopamine ), which give feelings of satisfaction and well-being, and activate the pleasure and reward areas in the brain of the givers and receivers. Endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller, can also be released and contribute to a "helper’s high." Kindness also fosters our sense of belonging and helps us build and strengthen our relationships (Hamilton, 2017).

Research shows that performing acts of kindness and helping others improves the happiness of the helper (Curry et al., 2018; Hamilton, 2017). A study by Rowland and Curry (2019) found that people who performed kindness activities for seven days experienced greater happiness. The increase in happiness was true whether the social tie was a friend, family member, stranger, or themselves. As you might expect, the more kind activities one does, the greater the boost in happiness. Even just observing acts of kindness had positive effects on one’s happiness.

In his book, The Five Side Effects of Kindness , David Hamilton discusses how we experience the effects of kindness throughout our entire nervous system . He suggests that kindness is good for the heart because the warm feelings we get help to generate oxytocin , which can reduce our blood pressure and stress hormone, cortisol. He also supports the idea that kindness is contagious and how acting kindly can create a ripple effect and inspire others to do the same.

Ways to Practice Kindness

Here are some ways you can practice kindness:

• Be kind to yourself. In my last post , I talked about how we could all use a gentle reminder about being a little kinder to ourselves. For many of us, showing up kindly starts with repairing the relationship we have with ourselves. I provided some restorative and practical ideas for how we can start to show up kindly for ourselves. When we are kinder with ourselves, we are kinder to others.
• Practice the kindergarten basics. Manners, turn-taking, including others, and comforting that friend who fell and scraped their knee. A kind environment is the compound of many small, kind acts.
• Show gratitude . When we feel grateful, we need to share this with others. Recognize and bring attention to what uplifts you. Tell someone they are doing a great job. End your work week by emailing someone who helped you out that week. Text or call a loved one to tell them they make a difference in your life.
• Listen to understand, not respond or problem-solve . So often, when others are talking, we think about how we will reply or what solutions we will provide. The truth is that being present, and listening, is a form of showing the kindness that can make another feel heard, understood, and truly felt. Next time you ask someone how they are, hold space and really listen to what they have to say.

Being kind is about showing up as your true self and inviting others to come as they are, too. It is meeting yourself and others with compassion and understanding in the present moment. Each of us can be why someone believes there are good people in this world.

So, kindness might not make the world go 'round (we have momentum and gravity to thank for that), but kindness does certainly make the world a better place.

Think about the power that a kind gesture, a kind hand, a kind word, or a listening ear can have on someone in a moment when they feel like their world is crumbling. Think about the way that it can make an already-good day that much better. Now think about the positive impact on the giver’s physical and mental health. The power of kindness is remarkable.

We may never know just how big of an impact our small acts of kindness have on someone else. But we know that kind humans doing kind things are exactly what this unwell world needs more of.

Although it may not be your first time hearing this one, I will leave you with this final ask:

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” —Unknown

Facebook image: Aloha Hawaii/Shutterstock

LinkedIn image: Dmytro Zinkevych/Shutterstock

Curry, O. S., Rowland, L. A., Van Lissa, C. J., Zlotowitz, S., McAlaney, J., & Whitehouse, H. (2018). Happy to help? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of performing acts of kindness on the well-being of the actor. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 76 , 320-329. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2018.02.014

Hamilton, D. (2017). The five side effects of kindness: This book will make you feel better, be happier & live longer . Hay House UK.

Rowland, L., & Curry, O. S. (2019). A range of kindness activities boost happiness. The Journal of Social Psychology, 159 (3), 340-343. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224545.2018.1469461

Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, Ed.D. , is a resiliency and wellness scholar and speaker, author of Calm Within the Storm and Stress Wisely , and award-winning instructor and adjunct professor at Trent University.

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Kindness Essay

Kindness is a valuable trait that can have a positive impact on our lives and the lives of those around us. It can help to build strong relationships, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve our physical health. However, it's important to remember that being kind can be difficult at times, and it takes practice and patience to make it a consistent part of our daily lives. Here are a few sample essays on kindness.

100 Word Essay On Kindness

There has been a saying that “be kind and do kind” means that be soulfully and mindfully kind so that you can do. Kindness is a type of behaviour that is marked by acts of generosity, consideration, rendering assistance or concern for others without expecting any praise or reward in return for the same.

Kindness is one of the main topics in the Bible, and it is a topic which is well taught and praised by every religion in the world. Nietzsche has said kindness and love are considered to be the "most curative herbs and agents in human intercourse". Not only this but there have been practitioners who have identified kindness as one of the most beautiful things to happen to mankind.

200 Word Essay On Kindness

Kindness and love are closely intertwined, as one often leads to the other. When we act out of generosity and do something good for others, we are likely to receive similar or even greater acts of kindness in return. This is the principle of karma, where we reap what we sow. By being kind to others, we are able to empathise and put ourselves in their shoes, and in doing so, we are able to make a positive impact on their lives.

The practice of kindness has many benefits, not just for the recipients, but also for the giver. It can help to build friendships, bring joy and make life more fulfilling. In a world where competition can often be fierce, it is important to teach the younger generation the importance of kindness and generosity. By fostering these qualities in schools, we can help to create a kinder, more compassionate society.

There are countless books, articles and other resources that explore the topic of kindness in depth. But despite this, society as a whole has yet to fully embrace a culture of kindness on a broader level. By making a conscious effort to be kind to others, we can work together to make the world a better place for all.

500 Word Essay On Kindness

Kindness is a powerful force that has the ability to change lives, both for the giver and the receiver. It is defined as the act of being considerate and caring towards others, and it encompasses a wide range of behaviors, from small acts of generosity to large acts of selflessness.

One of the benefits of being kind is that it can help to build strong and meaningful relationships. When we are kind to others, we demonstrate that we care about them and that we value their well-being. This can help to create a sense of trust and understanding, which are essential ingredients for any healthy relationship.

Another benefit of kindness is that it can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that acts of kindness can trigger the release of feel-good hormones in the brain, such as oxytocin and serotonin, which can help to improve our mood and reduce feelings of stress.

Additionally, kindness can also have a positive impact on our physical health. Research has shown that people who engage in acts of kindness on a regular basis have a lower risk of developing certain chronic conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.

One way to make kindness a regular practice is to set small and achievable goals for ourselves. For example, we can make a commitment to perform one act of kindness per day, or to make a conscious effort to be more understanding and empathetic towards others. Another way is to remind ourselves that kindness is not only about grand gestures, but also about small actions that can have a big impact on someone's life.

Personal Experience

I remember the day when a severe storm hit my village, leaving many of the houses damaged and people homeless. As I walked around the village, I saw the destruction and the despair on the faces of my fellow villagers. I knew that I had to do something to help.

I rallied my friends and together we set out to repair the houses and provide shelter for those who had lost theirs. It was hard work, but we were determined to help as many people as possible. We worked tirelessly, through the rain and the wind, never once complaining.

As we went from house to house, I could see the gratitude and appreciation on the faces of the people we were helping. It was a small act of kindness, but it made such a big difference in their lives.

Through our efforts, the village slowly began to recover, and the people were able to rebuild their homes and their lives. But the kindness we had shown was not forgotten. We had shown the villagers that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, and that through kindness and compassion, we can overcome any obstacle.

From that day on, I felt proud of my actions, and I realized the power of kindness. I had shown that one person's kindness can make a huge impact in the lives of many. I felt a sense of accomplishment and happiness that I was able to bring people together and make a difference.

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Kindness Essay

Kindness essay is a reflection on the idea of kindness, which is an act of selflessness. Because kindness doesn’t come with the expectation of receiving anything in return, it is a great way to show your appreciation for what you have received in life.

Kindness is always an excellent choice to make in any situation. When someone feels bad or down, the kindness shown can make a person feel more supported and loved. It is an action that anyone can do.

Importance of Kindness Essay

Kindness is a simple yet powerful gesture. It can positively impact someone’s life, and the ripple effect is just as powerful. In the academic community, kindness is thought to be an attitude that influences achievement among people.

Kindness is a form of love and compassion and one that needs to spread throughout the world. It allows people to see the best in others, encouraging them to be their best selves. Allowing kindness to exist for those around us is beneficial for them and ourselves.

It is our responsibility as human beings to be kind to other people. We can be considerate and compassionate towards other people to live in peace and love. Kindness is a virtue, and it is one of the essential things in life. It shows other people that you care about them and takes away some of the pain and suffering that they may be feeling. It can also help heal others, and everyone should always try to think about how their actions will affect others before taking them.

Kindness is vital in every single person’s life. It makes the world a better place and can make someone feel loved. With the help of kindness, you can start your good deeds to make the world a better place.

You can find more essays similar to the kindness essay on BYJU’S website. Also, explore a wide range of exciting kids’ learning resources on the website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is kindness.

Kindness is a simple gesture that can positively impact someone’s life. It also helps people be compassionate and considerate towards others.

Why is kindness important?

Kindness is important because it is our responsibility to be kind to others. This helps people to live in peace and love. As a virtue, kindness is one of the essential things in life. It helps us be empathetic towards people and extend our hands to support them.

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Why Kindness Matters: The Importance of Being Kind

Think about the last time someone was kind to you. Maybe a stranger held the door open for you or someone you love offered to help with a task you found daunting. How did that make you feel? Valued? Worthy? Happy?

It’s no secret that being kind feels good. It makes us feel connected, appreciated, and happy. But what many of us don’t realise is that being kind is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves and for others.

What is kindness?

Let’s first take a moment to define what kindness is. Kindness is an intentional act of compassion, thoughtfulness, and understanding that involves treating others with respect and empathy. This can include anything from lending someone a helping hand, volunteering for a good cause, or simply smiling at strangers on the street.

When we’re kind, we’re recognising, listening to, and understanding the feelings of others. We’re also trying to make their lives better in some way. When we strive to include more kindness in our lives, we’re sending a powerful message to the world that we care – for ourselves and for others.

Why is kindness important?

There are many reasons why kindness is important . These include both the personal benefits of being kind and the impact of our kindness on others.

Personal benefits

• Kindness makes us happier. Kindness leads to happiness. Research shows that people who are kind are happier . The reverse is also true – happier people are kinder. And it makes sense when you think about it. When we’re kind, we’re focused on others. We’re not thinking about ourselves and our own problems. Our kind acts make others happier and witnessing that brings us joy. When we’re happy, we’re motivated to be kind and the cycle continues.
• Kindness strengthens our connections. When we are kind to others, we strengthen those bonds of connection that make us feel seen, appreciated and loved. When kindness is given and received, it creates a sense of trust and connection. People are more likely to want to spend time with us and help us out too. Kindness is also a critical aspect of emotional intelligence. It helps us to better understand and empathize with others, showing them that we care about their feelings and experiences. This helps to build trust, create meaningful human interaction, and develop strong relationships that last.
• Kindness improves our physical well-being. Practising kindness has been shown to have numerous physical health benefits. Kindness can reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and even boost our immune system! People who practice kindness live longer, healthier lives.
• Kindness makes us feel good about ourselves. Kindness helps to foster a sense of belonging and purpose. When we are kind, it reinforces our self-worth and importance and boosts our self-esteem. It reminds us that we have the power to make a positive impact in the lives of others, even if it’s in a small way. Kindness gives us the courage to stand up for what’s right. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that we are contributing to making the world a better place.
• We remember to practise self-kindness. When we’re kind to others, we’re more likely to remember to be kind to ourselves as well. When we show self-kindness, we are less hard on ourselves. We acknowledge our faults and accept that we’re imperfect. We forgive ourselves for our mistakes. Accepting that we’re imperfect reduces negative self-talk and thoughts. We develop a more positive mindset and our overall mental health improves. We become more resilient, as we allow ourselves to overcome personal failures and learn from these experiences rather than define ourselves by them. As a result, we become more confident, secure, and content with our lives.

The impact of our Kindness on Others

When we practice kindness, it doesn’t just help us. It helps those around us as well. Kindness can have a ripple effect, spreading from individual to individual and making a positive impact on the world.

• Kindness makes others feel good. Kind words, random acts of kindness, or even a genuine smile can brighten someone’s day and make them feel good. When we show kindness, it helps others to feel seen and appreciated. It lifts their spirits and encourages them to keep going when times are tough.
• Kindness makes others feel safe. Kindness can help to create a safe, supportive environment where people are free to express themselves and be their authentic selves. When we’re kind to others, it makes them feel secure in our presence. It’s easier for them to open up when they trust that they won’t be judged or ridiculed for their thoughts or ideas.
• Kindness inspires others to be kind. When people observe acts of kindness, it makes them want to be kind too. It encourages them to pass on the same kindness that was shown to them by paying it forward and doing nice things for others. They might even be inspired to do something that they wouldn’t have done before.
• Kindness creates a positive environment. When kindness is practised in the workplace, it creates a more collaborative and supportive environment. People are more likely to work together and help each other out when they feel supported and appreciated by their colleagues.

What are some simple ways to be kind?

With all the great reasons to be kind , how can we make kindness a part of everyday life? Here are some easy ways to be kind :

• Be considerate. Be mindful of how others are feeling and think before you speak or act. Do something that you know will benefit someone else, like holding the door open for someone carrying a heavy load or offering your seat on the bus.
• Offer a helping hand. If someone is struggling, step in and lend a helping hand. Offer to help with a task or problem that they’re trying to solve. Be generous with your time and resources, including your knowledge and skills.
• Show gratitude. Acknowledge and appreciate people for their efforts. Freely give compliments to those who deserve it and take the time to thank people for their help.
• Be patient. Don’t rush others or jump to negative conclusions when things don’t go as planned. Instead, take a deep breath and be patient with yourself and others.
• Be respectful. Always treat people with respect. Listen to what they have to say with an open mind and don’t talk down to them. Say please and thank you, and be polite to everyone.

As we practise these simple acts of kindness, remember that the importance of being kind is much greater than just making someone feel good. When we show kindness, it can have a positive ripple effect that changes the world for the better. In this way, even the smallest acts of kindness can have a big impact.

Final thoughts

Kindness is one of the most important things we can offer to others and ourselves. It makes us happier, healthier people, and it’s something that we should all try to cultivate in our everyday lives.

Showing kindness not only benefits those around us but also has a positive impact on our relationships, communities, and society as a whole. So whenever kindness is an option, always choose kindness . It matters.

a little dose of happy (aldohappy, “all do happy”) is a mission, mindset, and movement dedicated to spreading happiness throughout the world. 

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Acts of Kindness and Happiness in Human Life Research Paper

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Introduction

Research methods, chapter 1. importance of acts of kindness for happiness, chapter 2. how acts of kindness promote happiness, chapter 3. use of acts of kindness in everyday life and treatment.

Even though happiness is an essential component of human life, there is no clear definition of what it is and what a person can do to achieve it. Different theories suggest a whole number of approaches that converge in some points and diverge in others. However, it is commonly accepted that an individual is likely to become happier and release negative feelings through an act of kindness towards another person (Della Porta, 2012; Buchanan & Bardi, 2010). An act of kindness is understood as a generous deed (benefiting certain people) that requires some effort on behalf of an agent but does not bring him/her any profit (Layous & Lyubomirsky, 2014).

The research at hand is aimed to prove that, to boost happiness through receiving positive emotions, a person should commit more actions that can be referred to as acts of kindness.

The present paper is based on the extensive literature review of the sources investigating the issue of happiness as well as various activities that help enhance personal satisfaction. These studies are analyzed to answer the following research questions: 1) How are acts of kindness related to happiness? 2) Which of them are the most happiness-boosting and what mechanisms do they use? 3) How can acts of kindness be applied to everyday life and treatment?

Happiness is rather a vague notion having a lot of subjective definitions. Some researchers regard it as “experiences of frequent positive emotions and relatively infrequent negative emotions” (Della Porta, 2012, p. 1), while others define it as “a skill that can be cultivated” through the development of such important human qualities as benevolence, altruistic love, and compassion (Richard, 2011, p. 275). For the convenience of research, it will be understood as a state of mind characterized by a person’s total satisfaction with his/her current well-being, which makes him/her adopt an optimistic way of thinking (Lyubomirsky & Dickerhoof, 2011).

According to the construal approach to happiness, this condition is not self-regulated and can be achieved through positive emotions and cognition as well as various acts of kindness that are defined as positive behaviors. According to Richard (2011), such kindness-oriented behaviors are primarily based on the creation of appropriate inner conditions that allow diminishing self-centeredness and increase altruistic intentions in individuals. It is worth mentioning that such acts have to be neither random and spontaneous nor classified into a particular category (e.g. an anonymous act of charity). Kindness is rather a continual and intrinsic orientation towards ethical and human values that makes people more emphatic and stimulates them for the engagement in “prosocial, generous behaviors that promote goodwill and the well-being of others” (Richard, 2011, p. 277).

The most important and sole condition of kindness is that “the giver” must be selfless in his/her intention to do good to “the recipient” (Rudd, Aaker, & Norton, 2014). However, to enhance the effectiveness of acts of kindness, a person should try to engage in different activities instead of repeating the same actions regularly. For example, Lyubomirsky and Dickerhoof (2014) observe in one of their studies that when a person performs different acts of kindness throughout an enduring period, e.g., “do a new household chore one week, surprise their pet with a treat another week,” he/she attains a greater level of well-being than those people who continuously perform similar acts of kindness (p. 13). Therefore, it is possible to say that when kindness is expressed spontaneously and is triggered by intrinsic motivation rather than prompted by the external situations, it leads to more positive outcomes including happiness and promotion of both individual and common welfare.

From the Buddhist perspective, happiness is not given to a person as a gift but must come as a result of a particular behavior (Richard, 2011). From the perspective of positive psychology, happiness is directly linked to individual positive emotions, behaviors, and perceptions which can be formed either by the external life events and circumstances (the “bottom-up perspective”) or by a person’s biological and temperamental factors (the “top-down theory”) (Lyubomirsky & Dickerhoof, 2010, p. 230). In this way, based on the bottom-up principles of positive psychology, happiness can be achieved through performing pleasant activities (e.g. communicating with a company of close friends). However, from the Buddhist perspective, the satisfaction derived from such actions is incomparable to the condition achieved by committing a selfless act of kindness. Thus, happiness is understood as an active process rather than a final result. Active happiness implies that a person can contribute to shaping his/her well-being through various actions including meditative practices (Ricard, 2011), expression of gratitude (Della Porta, 2012), and development of optimistic thinking (Lyubomirsky & Dickerhoof, 2010).

Acts of kindness have no negative side effects. Besides, it has been proven by research that, in comparison to other activities enhancing happiness, they give the most impressive results. Acts of kindness manage to increase satisfaction by reducing negative feelings and are likely to give the person who performs them with a sense of achievement and self-significance (Della Porta, 2012). But Della Porta (2012) identifies an important factor that defines a positive effect of different acts of kindness on personal well-being – it is intrinsic motivation and the autonomy-supported environment. His findings are also supported by ideas outlined in Richard’s (2011) article which refers to “the enhancement of intrinsic values” (p. 278). It is possible to say that the improvement of individual inherent values can be encouraged by different social and religious actors, but, to increase the effectiveness of acts of kindness, people should not be forced to perform them but should rather be provided with the environment in which their orientation towards the performance of good and kind deeds will be increased.

Despite the evident advantage of acts of kindness, there exists an opposing point of view. A lot of people tend to believe that virtuous behavior is particularly hard to practice because some improvement activities may require additional expenses, time, and development of skills; moreover, many people tend to believe that happiness practices may be “of little use” as their results are not evident and, in most cases, rather questionable (Della Porta, 2012, p. 4). However, this vision of kindness is deluding virtue does not lack its rewards and benefits, both short- and long-term (Sandstrom & Dunn, 2011).

Though it is evident that acts of kindness contribute to the level of personal happiness, the ways of promoting it are not quite clear. A series of experiments were conducted to identify what mechanisms underlie an act of kindness and which of them are the most effective.

In one of such experimental studies, participants were asked to write a letter expressing gratitude. Their emotional reaction to this simple act was analyzed afterward. The results of the research showed that the more letters people wrote – the greater emotional gains they received. Therefore, gratitude as a particular act of kindness turned out to be a powerful tool in enhancing happiness and life satisfaction. Besides, it was assumed that expressive letter-writing might help people struggle with symptoms of depression (however, it is difficult to say whether acts of kindness are effective in eliminating the causes of depression) (Toepfer, Cichy, & Peters, 2012).

Although the study mentioned above proves the positive cumulative effect of acts of kindness, it does not manage to answer how such acts should be designed to ensure happiness boosting. Another study on the topic involved a series of laboratory experiments with the purpose to trace the dynamics of performing acts of kindness. It found out that those people who were given a more particularly-framed prosocial goal (e.g. were assigned to make another person laugh by telling a joke) felt much more content with performing their actions and achieving positive results than those who were given an abstract task contiguous in its function (e.g. to make a person feel happy) (Rudd et al., 2014). Such outcomes are explained by the discrepancy between reality and the participants’ expectations. Unlike the second group, those who had a concrete task could see the actual result of their performance, which matched their expectations (Rudd et al., 2014). Thus, to enhance happiness, an act of kindness must be designed in such a way that its outcomes are predictable and observable. When a person planning to perform an act of kindness is more or less sure what results are going to be obtained and what emotions the receiver will get, he/she feels sure that no side consequences will emerge to spoil good intentions (Rudd et al., 2014). Thus, the giver feels happier through the development of higher self-confidence.

Besides the immediate effect of satisfaction from a good deed, an act of kindness has long-term benefits. The concept of “pay it forward” suggests the idea of achieving happiness by starting a chain of acts of kindness (Pressman, Kraft, & Cross, 2015, p.2 ). The point is that the agent receives more positive emotions if his/her action manages to foster the altruistic behavior of the recipient making him/her repeat a similar act to other people rather than simply repay the giver. The results of the study by Pressman et al. (2015) contradict the findings obtained by Della Porta (2012) who claim that autonomous motivation is a necessity for gaining psychological benefits of an act of kindness because the pay-it-forward activity is a forced kindness intervention. As mentioned by the researchers, the study participants who performed a forced pay-it-forward activity reported increased “optimism, gratitude, life satisfaction, and joviality” (Pressman et al., 2015). However, the positive effects were rather short-term than stable. Either way, the findings make it clear that an act of kindness can encourage further positive behaviors (Pressman et al., 2015).

Acts of kindness are capable of boosting happiness not only as a temporary context-dependent condition but also as overall life-satisfaction. An experiment carried out by Buchanan and Bardi (2010) aimed to prove that conducting new acts of kindness every day for a certain period (10 days) is capable of increasing the total life satisfaction of people regardless of their gender or age. A control group consisting of 38 males and 48 females aged from 18 to 60 was randomly selected, and they were asked to perform either an act of kindness, an act of novelty or restrain from any actions towards other people whatsoever (Buchanan & Bardi, 2010). Before and after this intervention, their life satisfaction was measured. The results demonstrated that life satisfaction increases in cases of experimental conditions and remains unchanged when the action was controlled or refrained from (Buchanan & Bardi, 2010). Thus, the experiment allows concluding that novelty is a pivotal component in happiness-boosting activities. Layous and Lyubomirsky (2014) express a similar viewpoint in their study stating that “people instructed to perform different acts of kindness each week (e.g., do a new household chore one week, surprise their pet with a treat another week) showed larger gains in well-being than those instructed to perform the same acts of kindness (e.g., do new household chores each week)” (p. 479).

The importance of variety in doing acts of kindness has already been mentioned: a person who performs the same act for a long period gets used to it as to a part of his/her routine and fails to derive any satisfaction from it after a while. On the contrary, varying acts of kindness (doing something new every day trying not to repeat the same action in sequence) gives a cumulative effect and boosts happiness much more effectively (Lyubomirsky & Dickerhoof, 2011). However, no matter how diverse acts of kindness might be, it is highly important to commit them regularly as the effect they produce should constantly be reinforced and enhanced for the agent to feel satisfaction (Layous, Nelson, Kurtz, & Lyubomirsky, 2016).

Thus, an act of kindness that can be classified as happiness-boosting is not merely an action of a certain sort but a part of a long-lasting habit. According to Lyubomirsky and Della Porta (2010), individuals who regularly express optimism frequently report “experiencing more positive events that linger with them;” moreover, it is found that the positive experiences provoked by optimistic behaviors increase happiness (p. 18). For instance, people who perform such acts regularly receive gratitude from the recipients, which makes them happier. It is also observed that a habit of conducting acts of kindness can even produce situations in which new friendships are likely to emerge (Lyubomirsky & Della Porta, 2010).

Acts of kindness apply not only to everyday experience but also as a tool used in conjunction with various therapies that aim to mitigate the consequences of psychological disorders. Healthy people naturally use adaptive strategies that help them cope with symptoms of depression and apathy: they try to avoid pessimistic thinking, interpret upsetting circumstances in a positive light, etc. (Lyubomirsky & Dickerhoof, 2011). At the same time, Toepfer et al. (2012) observe that unlike healthy individuals, people with affective disorders are unable to adapt to the changing reality and tend to feel unhappy every time things go wrong. Nevertheless, evidence suggests that a pessimistic predisposition can be alleviated not only in healthy individuals going through a hard period of life but also in people suffering from various disorders such as depression or generalized anxiety.

However, “practicing positive, intentional activities may directly combat the effects of negative construals (which characterize generally unhappy people), while simultaneously promoting the effects of positive construals” (Lyubomirsky & Dickerhoof, 2011, p. 236). These findings are consistent with observations made by Toepfer et al. (2012) who suggest that the acts mentioned above of kindness (expressing gratitude, showing generosity, prompting others to act kindly, etc.) may help depressed individuals enhance self-satisfaction and feel happier. Social connections that are established in the process of performing a good deed assist perfectly in treating social anxiety decreasing negative emotions provoked by the idea of communicating with new people. As far as depression is concerned, acts of kindness help shift attention from introspection to other people’s problems and concerns. When a person gets distracted, he/she is more likely to recover from this condition (Lyubomirsky & Dickerhoof, 2011). Thus, targeting positive patterns of behavior can assist in the process of eliminating and preventing maladaptive self-perception as well as the perception of the environment.

The research at hand was aimed to explore acts of kindness as an effective method to enhance happiness. It focused on the ways personal satisfaction, positive emotions, a life-asserting perception of the world, and general well-being can be attained through performing particular actions and developing habits. Understanding the significance of acts of kindness (especially in their relation to happiness) is useful and can be applied not only to everyday life but also as a complementary therapy for treating social and affective disorders.

The research has shown that a person should produce as many acts of kindness as the circumstances allow, trying to diversify them as much as possible since novelty contributes to happiness derived from a good deed. The mechanisms that foster happiness through acts of kindness – emotional response, observation of positive results, and involvement in chains of good deeds – have been investigated and explained.

The conclusion that is to be made is that the applications of the acts of kindness techniques prove to be effective no matter what domain is chosen for action and what goals (short- or long-term) is to be achieved.

Buchanan, K. E., & Bardi, A. (2010). Acts of kindness and acts of novelty affect life satisfaction. The Journal of Social Psychology, 150 (3), 235-237.

Della Porta, M. D. (2012). Enhancing the effects of happiness-boosting activities: The role of autonomy support in an experimental longitudinal intervention (Doctoral thesis, University of California, Riverside, CA). Web.

Layous, K., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2014). The how, why, what, when, and who of happiness: Mechanisms underlying the success of positive activity interventions. In J. Gruber & J. Moscowitz (Eds.), The light and dark side of positive emotions (pp. 473-495). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Layous, K., Nelson, S. K., Kurtz, J. L., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2016). What triggers prosocial effort? A positive feedback loop between positive activities, kindness, and well-being. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 1 (1), 1-14.

Lyubomirsky, S., & Della Porta, M. D. (2010). Boosting happiness, buttressing resilience. In J. W. Reich, A. J. Zautra, & J. Hall (Eds.), Handbook of adult resilience: Concepts, methods, and applications (pp. 450-464). New York, NY: Guilford Press.

Lyubomirsky, S., & Dickerhoof, R. (2011). A construal approach to increasing happiness. In J. E. Maddux & J. P. Tangney (Eds.), Social psychological foundations of clinical psychology (pp. 229-244). New York, NY: The Guilford Press.

Pressman, S. D., Kraft, T. L., & Cross, M. P. (2015). It’s good to do good and receive good: The impact of a ‘pay it forward’ style kindness intervention on giver and receiver well-being. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 10 (4), 293-302.

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• If “Love Is a Fallacy,” Are the “Loves” or Romantic Relationships Portrayed in the Story Logical or Illogical (Fallacious)?
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• Chicago (A-D)
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IvyPanda. (2020, August 6). Acts of Kindness and Happiness in Human Life. https://ivypanda.com/essays/acts-of-kindness-and-happiness-in-human-life/

"Acts of Kindness and Happiness in Human Life." IvyPanda , 6 Aug. 2020, ivypanda.com/essays/acts-of-kindness-and-happiness-in-human-life/.

IvyPanda . (2020) 'Acts of Kindness and Happiness in Human Life'. 6 August.

IvyPanda . 2020. "Acts of Kindness and Happiness in Human Life." August 6, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/acts-of-kindness-and-happiness-in-human-life/.

1. IvyPanda . "Acts of Kindness and Happiness in Human Life." August 6, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/acts-of-kindness-and-happiness-in-human-life/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Acts of Kindness and Happiness in Human Life." August 6, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/acts-of-kindness-and-happiness-in-human-life/.

Home / Essay Samples / Life / Kindness / The Power of Small Acts: Exploring the Importance of Kindness

The Power of Small Acts: Exploring the Importance of Kindness

• Category: Life
• Topic: Empathy , Gratitude , Kindness

Pages: 2 (703 words)

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