Creative Child December 2022 | Page 67

There are benefits , a few of which are outlined below , for both you and your kids as well as those on the receiving end of your kind gestures . As Flora Edwards said , “ In helping others , we help ourselves , for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us .”
Being kind makes you happier . Being nice to others doesn ’ t just benefit them , it give you a boost too . If you have ever been able to help out a friend or a stranger in a time of need you know that being helpful actually makes you feel happy . Doing nice things for others boosts your serotonin . “ Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that gives us the feeling of satisfaction and well-being .” says Lara Honos-Webb Ph . D . in Psychology Today “ Most of the antidepressant medications work by increasing the amount of serotonin available to your brain . All of this means doing nice things for other people changes your brain in ways that make you feel better .”
Being kind makes you healthier . People who volunteer in the community and are charitable to others often experience lower stress levels and improved overall health . According to Happier Human , statistics show that people who are kind have less physical pain , get better quality sleep , and exercise more .
Being kind builds self-esteem . As parents we are always looking for ways to build self-esteem in our kids . Helping others and being generous with our time and talents can actually help build self-esteem because when we help someone we feel like we have value and a purpose . We are also letting someone else know they are important and mean something to us .
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