Though it may be hard to believe, humans are naturally compassionate creatures.
In fact, according to Deepak Chopra, M.D. — a renowned author and pioneer of integrative medicine — compassion is "an evolved part of human nature, rooted in our brain and biology."
However, in a present-day world that is routinely bombarded with negativity, it can be easy to become frustrated and angry and to take that anxiety out on others around us.
There are definitely small, easy ways you can relieve stress — but why not try improving your life by helping others improve theirs?
In an exclusive look below, we explore the benefits of being compassionate toward others.
By being a more compassionate, empathic person to others, you will not only find peace and genuine happiness within yourself, but you will also become physically healthier.
Scroll further to read through the ways being compassionate will benefit your body and health, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
1. Gets Rid Of The Blues
When we feel anxious or depressed, we're likely to sink into a deep funk.
But instead of being focused on our negative feelings, it can be great to put our focus on other people, according to Emma Seppala, Ph.D., the director of Stanford University's Center for Compassion.
By turning our focus on others, and helping them with whatever they need, we will gain more perspective on our own problems — thus helping us to work through our feelings, rather than simply living with them.
2. It Elevates Us
Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist at New York University, has found that when we see other people be kind to each other, we feel a sense of "elevation."
You can likely relate to this. Do you ever feel inspired and more compassionate when you witness the heroic actions of others?
Most theories have shown that our actions and feelings are usually motivated purely by self-interest — but when we do good deeds or feel compassion for others, we gain a warm, uplifting sensation.
3. It Feels Better Than Buying Things
Deep down, we all know that material wealth does nothing to nourish our spirit.
Michael Norton, a professor at Harvard Business School, conducted an experiment where he gave participants a sum of money. Half of them were told to spend the money on themselves, while the other half was instructed to spend money on others.
At the end of the study, the participants who had spent money on others felt significantly happier than those who didn't.
Further studies have shown that even infants feel this way too. Children as young as two feel happier when they give their treats to others.
4. It Makes Us Attractive To Others
Aside from working toward gaining material wealth and possessions, we all want to feel loved and accepted in life.
At work, we seek recognition; within our families, we seek respect and kindness; and in our romantic relationships, we look for intimacy and support.
According to Dr. Seppala, we may go to lengths to improve our appearance to impress others — but at the end of the day, the most valued quality that both men and women look for in a partner is kindness.
5. It Lowers Inflammation In The Body
A significant amount of research has proven that being compassionate to others is linked directly to improved physical and mental health.
A new study done by researchers Steve Cole and Barbara Fredrickson showed that people who described themselves as "very happy" had lower levels of inflammation at the cellular level.
Interestingly, people who were happy purely because they lived the "good life" (possibly be marked by material wealth) had high inflammation levels.
To have a purpose, or "meaning," in life is to focus less on satisfying yourself, and more on making others happy.
6. It Lowers Stress Levels
Many scientific studies have shown that the primary benefits of compassion include overall improved health, wellbeing, and relationships.
Many researchers also believe that compassion may even be the key to the survival of the human race.
Being compassionate has been linked to a lowered risk of heart disease, as it has a positive effect on the vagus nerve and helps slow our heart rate.
According to Greater Good, being compassionate will also make you more resilient to stress. It will help lower the stress hormones in your blood and saliva and bulk up your immune response.
7. Increases Our "Emotional Intelligence"
There are many qualities that define an emotionally intelligent person.
Most of the time, people who have high "EQs" are great leaders, tend to show both their strengths and weaknesses to other people, and deeply care about being a good, moral person.
Making a habit of paying attention to others — of going out of your way to help someone in need, or even just to say hello — will increase your emotional intelligence, because it means you aren't focused solely on yourself.
By being compassionate, you're going beyond simply being empathetic, which means that you are consciously taking action to help others.
8. It Helps Others Improve Their Quality Of Life
Compassion is infectious, and can improve the mental health of all those around you.
Those who feel your compassion will then become more optimistic and compassionate themselves.
According to Greater Good, more compassionate societies in the world want to take care of their most vulnerable members, help other countries in need, and teach their children to perform acts of kindness.
People who are compassionate have also been shown to take better care of their parents.
9. You're Less Likely To Be Angry
It's so easy to soak up all the negativity that's going on around the world and in our lives.
By practicing compassion, our minds will focus less on all the things that have gone wrong in the past, according to Greater Good.
People who feel compassion for just one person feel generally less vindictive toward others, and are also more emotionally stable.
10. It Helps Maintain A Peaceful Atmosphere At Home
By being compassionate to those around you, you will begin to sense a change within the closest place to your heart: in your own home.
In addition to better appreciating how your family members feel and becoming a better listener, you will be able to work towards maintaining a harmonious, peaceful atmosphere at home, according to Deepak Chopra, M.D.
If you think that being compassionate is one of the most important things in your life, and if you believe in the power of kindness, please SHARE!
