Op-ed: How acts of kindness can improve patients’ health and mental well being

kindness
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Kindness can be defined by benevolent or helpful actions intentionally directed towards another person, motivated by the desire to help another and not to gain reward or avoid punishment.

Kindness has been proven to improve overall wellness. Moreover, it has been shown to decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety through social connection. Being kind to others or engaging in acts of kindness releases a neurotransmitter in our brain that helps regulate mood, helping us to feel more peaceful and relaxed. Engaging in acts of kindness has been proven to increase self-esteem, decrease stress and improving overall emotional well-being. People can incorporate small acts of kindness into their everyday lives, therefore incorporating kindness into your routine may be a subtle way to improve self-care.

Engaging in acts of kindness has benefits for the giver and the receiver and improves the likelihood that kindness will be paid forward. Therefore, kindness not only benefits you, but can have a positive effect well beyond your simple kind gesture. At Jacobi and North Central, staff are completing trainings focused on kindness to patients and colleagues.

The powerful effect that kindness can have on recovery cannot be underscored. Feeling that someone is genuinely caring for you can make a difference. Whether you are patiently caring for a sick patient or family member or you smile to a stranger as you walk to the store, the powerful effects of kindness should not be underestimated. Today’s world can be challenging for many people in a variety of ways, but kindness is universal and is not limited by societal, financial or political constraints. Taking care of others can help take care of yourself and improve emotional wellness.

Tiffany Rodriguez, PsyD, is the Acting Director of Psychology and Therapeutic Activities and Acting Network Director of Psychology Training at New York Health & Hospitals/Jacobi and North Central Bronx.