When kindness becomes a habit, it improves our health

Research through the years shows volunteering and acts of kindness increase happiness and psychological well-being. Newer findings reveal they can improve physical health as well. Some results: less decline in memory and executive function; ability to walk longer at older ages with better balance; lower levels of physical pain; healthier body mass index; less stress that can drive up blood pressure and cholesterol levels; healthier inflammatory markers and total cholesterol; and decreases in cardiovascular risk. One of the researchers said we really can't go wrong when we engage in behaviors that aim to help others. "At the very least, it will make the world a little bit better place for many others. And we might just make it a little bit better for ourselves."

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