Acts of Kindness

Performing an act of kindness could be an investment in your own stress-reduction and longevity, Women’s Health reported Feb. 25.

People who give of themselves to others are less likely to die after a stressful event, according to a study led by Michael Poulin, Ph.D., of the University at Buffalo. Losing a job or the death of a family member are among the stressors known to contribute to premature death, but the study found that people who performed good deeds were less likely to die in the five years after a traumatic event than those who did not exhibit a charitable impulse.

In fact, the individuals who didn’t extend a hand of kindness too often saw their risk of dying rise 30 percent after every stressful life event they encountered.

Acts of kindness don’t have to be grand gestures, either — simple good deeds like volunteering to be the designated driver at a party, cooking a meal for a friend, or giving some of your extra stuff to charity can accrue to the benefit of your health, experts say.

Other studies have found similar benefits from volunteering and giving to charity.

The research was published in the American Journal of Public Health.