Humans Prefer to Be Happy
Humans - especially we perfectly imperfect versions - naturally seek happiness.
It’s a universal desire reflected in everyday interactions. When someone asks, “How are you doing?” or “What have you been up to?” they often anticipate positive responses.
Happiness isn’t just a personal goal; it’s a social one. We feel good when people around us are happy. But how do we cultivate happiness to answer those questions with authenticity? Science suggests that kindness is the key.
The Science Behind Happiness and Kindness
Many university-based studies underscore the profound connection between kindness and happiness.
Researchers from Oxford and Bournemouth universities conducted a meta-analysis that revealed a consistent finding: helping others brings personal satisfaction. Whether it’s a small gesture or a significant contribution, acts of kindness create a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
This link is so strong that kindness is now recognized as a pathway to lasting happiness.
Why Kindness Creates Happiness
Kind people tend to be more socially connected.
They encourage and work to develop positive relationships, show empathy to others, and build trust within their social circles. These supportive interpersonal bonds are important to happiness.
When someone shows kindness, it sets the stage for a positive interaction, often evolving into meaningful connections. From sharing a smile to lending a hand, these actions ripple outward, creating a happier, more connected world.
The Positive Feedback Loop: Kindness and Happiness
At the University of California, Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, researchers explored how kindness and happiness create a positive feedback loop.
This loop ensures that being kind leads to happiness, and greater happiness encourages more kindness. The cycle reinforces itself, amplifying both emotions over time.
One study asked participants to recall times they spent money on themselves versus others. Regardless of the amount spent—$20 or $100—people reported greater happiness when they remembered giving to others.
The act of giving didn’t just boost happiness; it created a desire to give again, perpetuating the kindness-happiness cycle by virtue of the good feelings that resulted from the action.
How Witnessing Kindness Spreads Happiness
Interestingly, you don’t have to be the giver or receiver of kindness to feel its impact.
A study at Oxford University found that witnessing acts of kindness boosts happiness. Seeing someone help a stranger or share a kind word can inspire us to copy their behavior, spreading positivity further.
Practical Ways to Build Happiness Through Kindness
The Today show, following up on World Kindness Day, celebrated annually on November 13, highlighted some practical ways to infuse kindness into daily life:
- Thank someone publicly: A social media shoutout or group acknowledgment can uplift the recipient and inspire others to share their own gratitude stories.
- Greet people by their correct name: Remembering someone’s name - and how it's pronounced, or using the name they've chosen for themselves - makes them feel valued and strengthens your connection.
- Practice self-care: Being kind to yourself allows you to approach life with more energy and positivity, and spread the kindness around.
- Treat others and yourself: A shared experience, like buying a friend coffee, extends happiness to both parties, and improves your relationship.
- Observe kindness around you: Reflecting on others' kindness can increase your own feelings of gratitude and happiness.
The Ripple Effect of Kindness
Every act of kindness creates a ripple effect, impacting not just the individuals involved but also those who witness it.
This interconnectedness underscores why kindness is essential for a thriving, joyful community. When kindness flourishes, happiness follows.
Conclusion: Kindness as a Happiness Blueprint
Kindness isn’t just a fleeting act—it’s a lifestyle that encourages others to experience joy, connection, and fulfillment.
By embracing kindness in small and significant ways, you contribute to a cycle of positivity that benefits everyone.
Start today by sharing a kind word or thoughtful action. You might find that happiness is closer than you think.
Ready to embrace a life of Kindness and Generosity?
Cultivating Kindness in an Interconnected World: Creating a Life of Generosity and Kindness to Honor Our Shared Humanity
Part of the SoulScript Gateway Essentials series, it provides 10 actionable steps, journaling prompts, affirmations, and a curated reading list to help you bring these transformative values into your everyday life.
Take your practice even further with the companion course audio, created to deepen your connection to kindness and generosity.
Before diving in, listen to a 2-minute audio sample of the article below for a quick dose of inspiration:
The mini-course is available for just $9, and you can add the course audio for just $3 during this limited-time introductory offer.
Take the first step toward a more compassionate and connected life today!