Kindness Not Prozac

Dr. Woods explores kindness. She asks, what is kindness? The dictionary would say it is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.  Kindness is to live to one’s essence to live in touch with our very soul. I think kindness is a way of being, a way of acting and clearly a way of responding. Kindness is the universal language we all know it. All of us have experienced random acts of kindness, and we all love it no matter how grumpy and angry you are. Kindness is love in action, and whether you are kind or not, learn the acts of kindness to all, because it is the greatest healer of all time.

Kindness is the original antidepressant. You see , when you receive an act of kindness or when you see kindness, or when you offer kindness, the serotonin in your brain increases.  That is what antidepressants do. So why take harmful medications that only work for 50% of the people, when you can just live a life incorporating kindness?

In fact, Scientific studies show that there is a strong link between gratitude and  kindness and overall good health, including stress reduction, depression, inner peace and happiness. This could help issues such as PTSD, anxiety, anger issues, and addictions.

kindness may have profound effect on our happiness and mental health according a study conducted by researchers at Harvard Business School and the University of British Columbia. They concluded that kindness gives a sense of euphoria may add a heightened sense of well-being. The initial reactions from an act of kindness may lead to a sense of connectedness with others. Even just thinking and talking about kindness can improve happiness and peace.

A great quote from the Dalai Lama sums it all up;  “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”