I was on holiday in Thailand recently and was excited to participate in a Thai boxing session at the Rawai Muay Thai boxing gym. While standing in line, excitement mixed with confusion as I grappled with the foreign currency, I realised I was 60 Thai Baht short. Just as panic began to set in, a lady who had overheard my conversation with the management kindly paid the difference. Her simple act of kindness was a surprising and appreciative gesture that made my day and got me thinking deeply about paying it forward.
When was the last time that you paid it forward?
The philosophy of paying it forward, where we help others without expecting anything in return, brings numerous mental health benefits. Here are seven compelling examples, each backed by scientific research:
Boosts Happiness
Participating in activities created to assist others can evoke happiness. Science supports that those who give back are generally happier. Helping others triggers an instant feeling of joy, and realising that someone’s life just improved because of you boosts the “happy hormones.”
Reduces Stress and Lowers Blood Pressure
Rachel Piferi of Johns Hopkins University and Kathleen Lawler of the University of Tennessee conducted a study that proved supporting others socially led to lower blood pressure. This biological response helps reduce stress, improving overall mental and physical well-being.
Encourages Longevity
An interesting study conducted by Doug Oman of the University of California, Berkeley, in 1999 revealed that up to 44% of older individuals were less likely to die over five years if they volunteered for two or more organisations. This result held true even when considering other healthy habits, highlighting the potential longevity benefits of selfless acts.
Strengthens Social Connections
Building bridges between people and paying it forward encourages empathy and connection. It fosters community and unity, reminding us we all share the human experience.
Inspires Mindfulness and Gratitude
Being mindful of others’ needs and acting generously encourages gratitude. This positive loop can lead to higher levels of contentment, happiness, and overall mental health.
Promotes a Positive Outlook on Life
Experiencing kindness can shift one’s perspective, instilling a sense of hope and optimism. This positive outlook can be a powerful force in improving mental health and nurturing a more fulfilling life.
Builds Self-Esteem and a Sense of Purpose
Aligning actions with personal values and principles boosts self-esteem and imbues life with purpose. Knowing that you are making a difference in others’ lives enhances self-worth and offers a rewarding sense of achievement.
A Chain Reaction of Kindness
Paying it forward often creates a chain reaction, inspiring others to do the same. It creates a domino effect where one act of generosity leads to another, multiplying the positive impact on individuals and communities.
Conclusion
My experience in Thailand was not merely an enjoyable holiday memory but a poignant reminder of the transformative power of kindness. Paying it forward carries profound mental health benefits that reach beyond the individual and touch the lives of others.
A single act of kindness can spark warmth and humanity in a cold and indifferent world. So why not take the initiative and perform an act of kindness today? You never know whose life you might change – it might even be your own.