Improve Your Happiness with Everyday Kindness

By Amy Epstein

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Most people hold the door open for anyone immediately behind them. Most people who benefit from that kind gesture say, “Thank you.” Regrettably, there are people who do neither.

The same gestures of consideration or kindness are also behind people who offer their seats on subways or buses to senior citizens and people with a disability. Again, regrettably, that’s not always the case.

I’d like to make the case that these small acts of kindness with total strangers make the person doing them happier.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which acts as a hormone which, according to The Cleveland Clinic, “carries messages between nerve cells in the brain and throughout your body. Serotonin plays a key role in such body functions as mood, sleep, digestion, nausea, wound healing, bone health, blood clotting and sexual desire.”

Even better is what it can do for our mood. Again, according to The Cleveland Clinic, “Serotonin in your brain regulates your mood. It’s often called your body’s natural “feel good” chemical. When serotonin is at normal levels, you feel more focused, emotionally stable, happier and calmer. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression. Many medications used to treat anxiety, depression and other mood disorders often target ways to increase the level of serotonin in your brain.” Learn More About Serotonin Here

Personally, when I do a kind gesture, I’m sure that my serotonin level in my brain increases. This isn’t the result of any measurement. It’s purely experiential. I just feel happier. The next time you hold open a door for the person behind you, think about this. It’s an easy gift to yourself this holiday season.

Amy Epstein is a 13 year member Women’s Connection (formerly The Transition Network). Her blog, https://wrinklesmeanwisdom.com/  gives her an outlet for expressing her thoughts (with short text and cartoon illustrations) about aging in New York City.

The stated goal is to find humor in those experiences, but often that’s a tall order. Amy welcomes you to follow her blog, with emailed notices for whenever she posts something new. You can do that by entering your email in the “Join the Fun” box on the right side of the homepage.

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