In a world constantly testing our resilience, it might seem logical to prioritize self-care. However, intriguing research suggests that the exact opposite is true. A study led by Dr. Elizabeth Raposa and her colleagues at Yale University School of Medicine unveils the profound positive impact of kindness on both others and ourselves.
The study used a smartphone app to record both stressful events and acts of kindness. Surprisingly, individuals who engaged in more acts of kindness reported higher levels of positive emotion, even in the face of stress. Remarkably, this relationship held true regardless of the person’s natural inclination towards helping others.