The Benefits Of Witnessing Kind Deeds
Witnessing kind actions has a profound effect on people. Completely altruistic and selfless actions evoke feelings of peace and tranquility in those who see them; feelings that remain etched in their minds and remain due to their sudden and unexpected nature.
But why is it so beneficial to witness kind deeds? What makes us feel good when we see others working altruistically for the benefit of others?
Witnessing an authentically friendly act sends a sense of peace and happiness that lasts. Some of these actions, even if they are clearly insignificant, can remain in our memories and inspire in difficult times.
When we witness a kind act, we go through what Abraham Maslow called a “peak experience” – the moments of wonder, amazement and a sense of what is right that make us incredibly grateful to live.
Jonathan Haidt calls these experiences “euphoria” and describes them as a feeling of warmth in the chest, a feeling of expansion in the heart, a greater desire to help and an increased feeling of connection with others.
For Haidt , kind actions are a manifestation of superior or better human nature. A friendly act that brings renewed hope for human nature offers a hint of hope in the midst of the chaos and conflicts of daily life.
The sense of connection mentioned by Haidt is important. Altruism transcends the separation we often experience as human beings. It connects us with each other.
Pure altruism is actually possible because all people, at the deepest level, are part of the same network of consciousness.
The person performing an altruistic act will surely be the recipient of another kind act, and when we witness this act, we too will become part of that network.
In other words , kind actions have positive effects in three dimensions: he who performs them, he who receives them and he who witnesses them.
Most scientific studies have shown that a friendly action has a positive effect on the immune system and the increased production of serotonin in the brain.
Serotonin is a natural neurotransmitter that is responsible for regulating our mood and helping to control anxiety. Serotonin is considered a “feel good” substance because it increases the production of pleasure in the brain.
The results of one of the most fascinating studies in recent years showed that a simple, friendly action spreads from one person to another and causes a significant improvement in the function of the immune system and increases the production of serotonin in both the person performing the action and the person receiving it. .
What was most surprising to the researcher was when it was proven that people who witness friendly actions also experience similar improvements in the immune system and increased production of serotonin.
The benefits of kindness are not limited to strengthening the immune system and the production of serotonin. The study showed that those who regularly dedicate themselves to performing kind acts experience stress relief, reduction of chronic pain and even relief of insomnia.
Christine Carter explains that people who work as volunteers tend to experience less pain and discomfort.
Giving help to others generally protects your health twice as well as the protection provided by aspirin against heart disease.
