You never know what people are going through, and what it is that’s affecting their lives and atmospheres. So why not be kind, and show people that you care?

According to Psychology Today, compassion and kindness reduce stress, boost your immune system, and can help reduce negative emotions such as anger, anxiety, and depression. Even one person practicing random acts of kindness will feel positivity. Showing acts of kindness can make you feel better as a person and can make you feel more positive about your actions.

You know when you’re walking around in public, and someone flashes you a quick smile? Doesn’t that make you feel good? Smiling benefits the brain and your mental health by providing stress relief, pain relief, stronger immune function and even lowering your blood pressure making your heart healthier.

According to Doctor’s Nutrition, helping others is good for our hearts, and protects our overall health twice as much as aspirin protects against heart disease. People 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organizations have an impressive 44% lower likelihood of passing away at an earlier age. Additionally, acts of kindness have a more sustainable effect than exercising four times a week.

Giving to others provides a “helpers high”. Studies have shown that putting others’ feelings and well-being above your own, without expecting anything in return, stimulates the brain’s reward centers. These “feel-good” chemicals run throughout our bodies, producing what is called a “helpers high”. Giving back to the community, and helping others have proven to minimize stress, and improve depression.

Now that you know the benefits of being a kinder and more compassionate person, here are some tips on how you can achieve it.

– Give a genuine compliment to a stranger
– Let go of a grudge and tell a person that you forgive them
– Just listen, be there for a friend going through a rough time
– Hold the door open for others
– Be kind to yourself, you deserve kindness too
– Say “hello” to people you pass on the sidewalk
– Be kind, once you say hurtful words, they can’t be taken back
– Tell someone the truth
– Pick up after yourself and someone near
– Write someone a note that will make them smile
– Call a friend or family member just to check-in