by Frankie Barrios

Created on: March 09, 2009   Last Updated: March 16, 2009

Kind Acts Promote Healthy Benefits

With spring approaching quickly and soon to be upon us, it is time to banish those winter blues for good. One means of achieving this goal is to focus on the good that you can do for others. Placing energy toward bringing happiness to others can definitely improve your personal sense of well-being, both physically and mentally, as well as having a reciprocal effect on those to whom the good deed was bestowed.

The sheer act of doing good deeds, in and of itself, gives one a feeling of self-worth. Those acts, coupled with the gratitude that is displayed by the receiving party, will lift your spirits to the highest level. Small acts of kindness or generosity, and the appreciation shown by those, upon which said acts are bestowed, will provide both warmth in your heart and inner strength to your body.

In general, the positive feeling associated with the giving and receiving of acts of kindness can lessen stress. Stress can detrimentally affect our health. When one is under less stress, one is better able to avoid common colds, as well as other more consequential illnesses, and therefore can achieve a healthier status.

Doing simple things for others to help them in some way, or simply just to make them happy, will bestow upon you a feeling of happiness that is unparalleled by any other act. The action of unconditional giving will prove to be the most uplifting feeling you can achieve. Along with your mental health being uplifted, physical health and well-being will follow.

When one is in a good state of mind mentally, one takes care of himself physically. Looking and feeling good go hand in hand. So put your best foot forward and spring ahead.to good health and happiness, by lending a helping hand to someone in need.

Here are some simple acts of kindness that you might try:

- Go grocery shopping for an elderly family member or friend

- Visit a friend who has been "under the weather"

- Help a friend learn something that comes easily for you, but is a struggle for them

- Do something nice for someone anonymously

- Send a "thinking of you" card or e-mail message to a friend or family member far away

- Let someone with only one item go ahead of you in the check out line

- Take someone who doesn't get out much for a ride on a beautiful day

- Share an umbrella in a downpour

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