Being a nice person is not the same as being kind and the difference is important!

So here’s something really obvious. Kindness is good for your health. Makes sense right? It doesn’t really even take much to harness the power of Kindness. It could be as simple as saying hello or wishing someone a good day.

But are you being nice? Or are you being kind?

When was the last time you remember being nice to someone? Being nice might make you feel good. But you’re not being kind!

Being kind is less self-serving. Kindness involves being generous, without expecting anything in return.

The difference between the two is intentionality. A kind person tries to really understand what someone else is going through. A nice person is being nice but not necessarily for the right reason.

What does science say? When people act kindly, the brain releases oxytocin, a hormone that decreases anxiety and fear. It also decreases your stress hormone cortisol.

I don’t know about you, but when I perform an act of kindness, I get this warm and fuzzy feel good feeling, it’s kinda like a drug, like my brain on kindness. It makes my brain happy too.

Studies have shown kindness secretes endorphins, the same ones that make up a runners high. They promote pleasure and act as a natural pain reliever for both physical and emotional pain. They are also a reason why doing one act of kindness, feels sooo good that you want to do another.

So here’s your homework for today - go out there and do some random acts of kindness, right now. Hold the door open for someone, surprise your parents or a loved one, say good morning to a stranger, send a positive text, leave a generous tip, be an active listener. You get the point.

Dr. Sam Speron