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Did you know kindness is good for your mental health?

Research has increasingly shown that performing random acts of kindness release the feel-good chemicals in your brain. What is a random act of kindness? It is often described as the giving of yourself with the expectation of getting nothing in return.

"Kindness is contagious. It is a learned behavior, and anyone can participate in it and reap the mental and physical benefits," said DeAnn Collins, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Program Manager at Health First's Senior Behavioral Wellness Intensive Outpatient program. "Best of all, it's free and could happen in a variety of forms."

Potential benefits associated with random acts of kindness include:

• Reducing the body's stress level, making one feel calmer
• Improved mood
• Increasing feelings of self-worth, purpose and the body's feel-good hormones
• Decreasing the perception of pain by generating endorphins
• Decreasing feelings of depression and anxiety when performed regularly
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduction of cortisol levels - the stress hormone
• Increased feelings of energy

"Some studies have also shown that the recalling of acts of kindness towards others or ourselves can improve mood and generate emotions that are more positive," said Collins.

Some suggestions for incorporating kindness into your daily routine include:

• Paying someone a compliment
• Making eye contact and smiling at a stranger
• Sending a positive text to four people in your contact list
• Cleaning out your closet and donate unused items to charity
• Leaving any unused coupons at the store near the item for the next person to use
• Holding the door open for someone
• Telling your spouse, significant other or child "thank you" for something that they did
• Paying for the order behind you at the drive-through

"The most important thing to remember is there's no downside to practicing acts of kindness," said Collins. "We should make it a normal, natural part of our everyday routine, which has many health benefits, such as reducing stress levels and potentially lengthening life. However, if you are severely depressed or anxious, do not hesitate to seek professional help."