-by Sandy Johnson, director of Organization Culture/Called to Care
More and more, research is showing us that being kind is good for us and those around us. Did you know that treating someone with kindness and respect activates “well-being” hormones that help them in healing, bonding, and seeing their world more positively?
The researched “cascade of kindness” includes:
- Increased oxytocin (the “bonding” hormone)
- Lowered blood pressure
- Increased serotonin (a mood regulator)
- Improved immune response
- Decreased pain and anxiety
- Decreased mortality rate
Some research has even indicated that being treated with kindness and respect can have a stronger impact than exercising four times per week!
When Jesus says, “Love thy neighbor,” and “A new command that I have given you that you love one another as I have loved you,” our Creator knows that He is not just inviting us to play nice together. He built into our physiology the health requirements of love, appreciation, kindness, and respect with each other–and those we serve.
Notice how you feel when someone is kind and respectful to you, and notice how it feels to be kind and respectful to others. Can you feel yourself getting healthier? A loving heart is a healthy heart.