Skip to main content

Verified by Psychology Today

Happiness

Consciousness Hack 3: Kindness

New research aims to explore kindness online.

Kindness[dot]org, used with permission
Source: Kindness[dot]org, used with permission

If you had the good fortune to grow up in a nurturing family, you might take it for granted that kindness is good for you. A growing number of studies suggest it is: that's why consciousness hack #3 is kindness.

Studies suggest that kindness increases happiness and energy levels. Even witnessing kindness can cause our bodies to release oxytocin (the “love hormone”). Kindness lowers blood pressure, decreases stress, and reduces depression. When we’re kind to others, our brain’s pleasure and reward centers become active—a phenomenon called “helper’s high.”

Kindness[dot]org, used with permission
Source: Kindness[dot]org, used with permission

Kindness.org is a nonprofit organization helping us learn even more about kindness. They’ve enlisted the support of Oxford University to help them find out how our world would transform if each of us put kindness front and center in our lives.

One of their researchers, Dr. Lee Rowland, recently invited me to co-design a study exploring kindness online. If you’re eager to engage in this “consciousness hack,” follow this link and help us learn more about kindness. You might just experience a surge of oxytocin, increased energy levels, and feelings of happiness! Kindness.org is generously funded by The NEON Foundation, so don’t worry, they won’t inundate you with emails seeking your money.

TAKE SURVEY HERE: https://kindness.typeform.com/to/zyfT7e

advertisement
More from Dana Klisanin Ph.D.
More from Psychology Today