by Natalia Jones

Created on: March 09, 2009   Last Updated: September 13, 2009

Have you ever noticed that kindness is contagious? When a driver stops at an intersection and flashes his lights for you to go first you feel inspired to do the same for someone else. In the checkout line at the grocery store when the person next in line looks at your small collection of items and obviously exhausted posture and gives you a nod and a smile to go ahead of them, something inside of you brightens. These small acts of kindness may have meant the difference between you getting home with a smile on your face and walking through the door agitated and ready to pick a fight.

This phenomenon does not happen by chance. Several scientists have conducted studies and discovered that there are actual health benefits of kindness. Alan Luks, executive director of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of New York, researched kindness and documented his findings in his book The Healing Power of Doing Good. He conducted a 17 question survey on more than 3000 volunteers. The following are a few of his conclusions;

1. Kindness has been linked to stronger immune systems.

2. Several people have reportedly felt a decreased awareness and intensity of physical pain. This is attributed to the "helper's high". The body releases endorphins or natural pain-killers when in a state of kindness. A long period of calm generally follows this euphoria.

3. The decreased occurrence of stress-related symptoms; such as muscle-pain, headaches and depression is yet another reward for acts of kindness.

4. Feelings of isolation are replaced with joyfulness and emotional vigor.

These results give credence to the old folk's belief that bitterness does more than leave a bad taste in your mouth; it eats your insides away. Start experiencing these health benefits today by practicing some of these random acts of kindness.

* Surprise a loved one with flowers for no reason.

* Give an inspiring book to a friend in need.

* Share your umbrella with someone who needs one.

* Send a Thank You note to someone who has helped you.

* Baby-sit for a friend so she can get a night of rest or entertainment.

Begin spreading kindness around and soon you'll notice a difference in your feeling of well-being, not to mention all the smiles you would be able to take credit for.

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