How good deeds affect health. You will be amazed!

For over two decades, the world has celebrated November 13 as World Kindness Day to encourage acts of kindness and positive gestures towards others. The kindness we do not only affects those around us, but also helps us be healthier, explains p.psychotherapist.

On a theoretical level, we all know that good deeds have an impact on those around us, some of us experience the joy of helping the person next to us, but for those who were not yet convinced, science brings new arguments: the evidence has a positive effect on physical and mental health!

Doing good deeds reduces the effects of stress

“Research in neuroscience and social psychology has measured the impact of agreeableness, kindness, or prosocial behavior on mental health and has yielded interesting results.

In summary, the study findings suggest that belongingness as a coping mechanism may be an important component of stress management and indicate that engaging in prosocial behavior may be an effective strategy for reducing the impact of stress on emotional functioning,” explains Beatrice P.

Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease

“Frequent volunteering and prosocial activities may protect people from inflammation, which is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. In particular, being productive in older adults has been found to reduce inflammation in the body, as measured by C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker associated with cardiovascular disease risk,” the therapist added to the list of benefits.

Less risk of developing mental disorders

This same study also explains why people who volunteer have a lower risk of mental disorders and feel better about themselves.

“Volunteering provides existential meaning, and volunteering brings people together, strengthening social relationships. In addition, volunteering increases self-confidence by providing a sense of pride and identity as belonging to a particular community.

This way, each person can track their affinity and participate in supporting their favorite group. This way, he can get both the joy of changing someone’s life for the better, and unexpected benefits for his own well-being,” concluded psychotherapist Beatrice P..