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Random Acts of Kindness Day.

Feb 17, 2019

Image: RAK Foundation logo - randomactsofkindness.org

 
Did you know there are scientifically proven benefits of being kind according to randomactsofkindness.org?

Did you also know that kindness is teachable?

 “It’s kind of like weight training, we found that people can actually build up their compassion ‘muscle’ and respond to others’ suffering with care and a desire to help.” Dr. Ritchie Davidson , University of Wisconsin

 Or that kindness is contagious?

The positive effects of kindness are experienced in the brain of everyone who witnessed the act, improving their mood and making them significantly more likely to “pay it forward.” This means one good deed in a crowded area can create a domino effect and improve the day of dozens of people!


KINDNESS INCREASES

THE LOVE HORMONE:  Witnessing acts of kindness produces oxytocin, occasionally referred to as the ‘love hormone’ which aids in lowering blood pressure and improving our overall heart-health. Oxytocin also increases our self-esteem and optimism, which is extra helpful when we’re in anxious or shy in a social situation.

ENERGY:  “About half of participants in one study reported that they feel stronger and more energetic after helping others; many also reported feeling calmer and less depressed, with increased feelings of self-worth” Christine Carter, UC Berkeley, Greater Good Science Center

HAPPINESS:  A 2010 Harvard Business School survey of happiness in 136 countries found that people who are altruistic—in this case, people who were generous financially, such as with charitable donations—were happiest overall.

LIFESPAN:  “People who volunteer tend to experience fewer aches and pains. Giving help to others protects overall health twice as much as aspirin protects against heart disease. People 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organizations have an impressive 44% lower likelihood of dying early, and that’s after sifting out every other contributing factor, including physical health, exercise, gender, habits like smoking, marital status and many more. This is a stronger effect than exercising four times a week or going to church.” Christine Carter, Author, “Raising Happiness; In Pursuit of Joyful Kids and Happier Parents”

PLEASURE:  According to research from Emory University, when you are kind to another person, your brain’s pleasure and reward centers light up, as if you were the recipient of the good deed—not the giver. This phenomenon is called the “helper’s high.”

SEROTONIN:  Like most medical antidepressants, kindness stimulates the production of serotonin. This feel-good chemical heals your wounds, calms you down, and makes you happy!

KINDNESS DECREASES

PAIN:  Engaging in acts of kindness produces endorphins—the brain’s natural painkiller!

STRESS:  Perpetually kind people have 23% less cortisol (the stress hormone) and age slower than the average population!

ANXIETY:  A group of highly anxious individuals performed at least six acts of kindness a week. After one month, there was a significant increase in positive moods, relationship satisfaction and a decrease in social avoidance in socially anxious individuals. University of British Columbia Study

DEPRESSION:  Stephen Post of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine found that when we give of ourselves, everything from life satisfaction to self- realization and physical health is significantly improved. Mortality is delayed, depression is reduced and well-being and good fortune are increased.

BLOOD PRESSURE:  Committing acts of kindness lowers blood pressure. According to Dr. David R. Hamilton, acts of kindness create emotional warmth, which releases a hormone known as oxytocin. Oxytocin causes the release of a chemical called nitric oxide, which dilates the blood vessels. This reduces blood pressure and, therefore, oxytocin is known as a “cardioprotective” hormone. It protects the heart by lowering blood pressure.

BECOME A RACTIVIST

You have the potential to change the world.

We can tell you’re someone who wants to seize that potential. You’re a RAKtivist® you just didn’t know it... until now.

RAKtivists are the heroes of our organization. They live and breathe kindness, share knowledge and lead by example. You can tell where they’ve been because they leave a trail of warm-and-fuzzy feelings in their wake.

RAKtivist’ is short for ‘Random Acts of Kindness Activist’. Think of RAKtivists like kindness ambassadors—and, like all ambassadors, they’re a part of an active, global community.

22912 CURRENT RAKTIVISTS®

14-89 YEAR OLD MEMBERS

87 COUNTRIES REPRESENTED

RAKtivists are everywhere. The student who stops to hold the door open for a teacher with her hands full? That person is a RAKtivist. The commuter who offers their bus seat to an elderly passenger? That person is a RAKtivist too. The parking attendant who leaves a note on someone’s car, complimenting their parking skills? You guessed it: RAKtivist.

Anyone who believes kindness can change the world, who reminds everyone around them how much love there is in the world, who inspires hope and generosity with their actions as much as their words—they’re a RAKtivist.

And this is where RAKtivists come together to change the world.

Get Your Kindness On with Monthly Kindness Missions

When it comes to Kindness Missions, our policy is 'more more, the merrier'. Each month we send out a special kindness challenge to our RAKtivists that benefits a worthy cause or individual.

Join our Global Community of Kindness

The internet can be a bit of a cynical place sometimes—but not in our neck of the woods. Our private RAKtivist Facebook group is an awesome place to meet new, kind-minded people and share ideas.


Make Your Mark in the Kindness Movement

Kindness is its own reward—but sometimes it feels great to get some recognition for your work, right? By sharing your photos, kindness ideas, and stories with us, you’ll see them featured on our site and social media! If you’re more of an introvert, you can enjoy the benefits of reading inspiring stories, watching the group grow and occasionally quietly crying when one of those beautiful (but sad) videos pops up in your feed.

No matter how you engage, you’re making the world a better place.

Be a world-changer. Apply to become a RAKtivist® today!


APPLY TO BECOME A RAKTIVIST®  
https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/sign-up



 


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