WITH VICKI MINERVA

We now know that there are chemical changes in the bodies of both the giver and receiver when kindness is extended. Our bodies are intricately put together with biology affecting mood and mental health. Specific to our topic of kindness is the hormone oxytocin.

Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus. It’ s known to play a role in childbirth, breast-feeding, sexual activity, social, and emotional bonding. In positive social settings it can promote relaxation, trust and psychological stability. As it turns out, acts of kindness are one of the ways that oxytocin is released into the blood stream and the“ emotional warmth” response opens up. In his book,“ The 5 Side Effects of Kindness,” David Hamilton identifies the benefits of putting kindness into action:

• Kindness makes us happier. In addition to oxytocin, dopamine is released which is our brain’ s version of morphine and heroin creating a natural high. There’ s also a change at a spiritual level that gives a profound sense of identity by being kind.

• Kindness is good for the heart. Literally. Oxytocin releases a chemical, nitric oxide in the blood vessels. This dilates the blood vessels and reduces blood pressure. It softens the walls of the arteries and improves cardiovascular health!

• Kindness slows aging. Again, emotional warmth produces oxytocin and reduces levels of free radicals and inflammation. This is helpful to the cardiovascular system and for the aging process. There is also a link between compassion and activation of the vagus nerve that regulates inflammation.

• Kindness improves relationships. As we demonstrate kindness, distance is broken down and emotional bonding occurs. More on that later.

• Kindness is contagious. Acts of kindness inspire others to“ pay it forward.” This is where it becomes possible to change the culture of families, communities, schools, and businesses.

So let’ s start with you. Based on my experience, you are likely to be the MOST unkind to yourself. You may think those harsh, berating things you say in your head are motivating. In truth, they are discouraging, activate your fight or flight response, and don’ t bring out the best in you. When you can slow the anxiety and pressure you feel by changing some of what you say to yourself, you’ re much more likely to have the bandwidth to take it to the next step to show empathy and kindness to others. I know, easier said than done, but being conscious of it is the first step and gives you a place to interrupt what has previously been free-flowing negativity. Now is a good time to start!

Gratitude is an important segue to showing kindness to others. It helps us to line up our own value system. With gratitude, you begin to see where there is“ enough” in areas of your life. Money might be really tight, so you offer time by volunteering with a group that is important to you. Unexpected praise or affirmation doesn’ t cost a dime, but is something most people are starved for.

Choose to see others more respectfully. It’ s a gift to see them as human beings on a journey with its own twists and turns. Random acts of kindness become something you can delight in when your own status isn’ t at stake. Let someone merge into your lane when traffic is heavy, be careful with your tone when speaking to others, give someone the benefit of the doubt when they aren’ t at their best, by remembering you don’ t know what personal burden they may be carrying.

There’ s no guarantee that people will respond well to your kindness. Do it anyway. The overarching trend, over time, will be that people soften a bit. They will pay it forward. The culture in your home or workplace will begin to pull together instead of being isolating and defensive. Kindness does not mean that there aren’ t confrontations or standards, but the way they are addressed is different, making it safe to be honest about the need for change. It opens the door to a safe social environment with higher levels of trust.

Your health— body, mind, and spirit gets a boost when kindness is a way of life. It’ s also a way to make the world a better place!

Vicki Minerva has lived and worked in the South County area as a Marriage and Family Therapist for over 35 years. Her education includes a M. Div. degree from Fuller Seminary and a M. A. in Marriage, Family Counseling from Santa Clara University. vickiminerva. com

My goal is to provide you with some information and help you access tools that will help you live your life and manage your relationships in healthier ways. This information is not a substitute for personal counseling and should not be taken out of context. There are many reputable therapists in the South County area should you need additional help.

GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN JUNE / JULY 2018 gmhtoday. com

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