The Science Behind Random Acts of Kindness

There is a holiday coming up on February 17th that can help boost your teen’s mood: National Random Acts of Kindness Day. It might sound unexpected: “How is it that doing something for someone else could have a positive impact on my teen? Doesn’t it just benefit the other person?”

Well, not necessarily. Performing a random act of kindness (RAK) is intended to make the benefiting party feel good…but RAKs can have positive impacts on the person giving the nice gesture as well!

The Mayo Clinic reported that being kind boosts serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters in the brain that give your teen feelings of satisfaction and well-being. This causes the pleasure/reward centers in your teen’s brain to light up. Additionally, RAKs can release endorphins, which are the body’s “natural pain-killer.” When random acts of kindness are practiced, the same neural circuits that are involved in chemical “highs” are the same ones activated by kindness and compassion.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Random acts of kindness can enhance the release of oxytocin in interactions where two or more people are engaged in kind behavior. Oxytocin plays a role in forming social bonds such as trust among people, which is essential for teens because social connection is one of their primary developmental needs. SSM Health reported that there is also research looking into oxytocin’s effects on reducing inflammation, which protects from chronic diseases. Additionally, RAKs can release hormones that contribute to a positive mood and overall well being. The practice is so effective it's being formally incorporated into some types of psychotherapy.

In DBT, random acts of kindness is part of the Mindfulness Module, accumulating positive experiences skill, and gratitude skills. These skills help teens manage feelings of depression, anxiety, and overwhelm. It utilizes mindfulness meditation, documenting gratitude, and acts of kindness that are incorporated into daily routines.

We at Mindful Healing invite you to speak with your teen about ways in which they can perform RAKs at home, at school, or in the neighborhood. Encourage them to think of small gestures of kindness that they can incorporate into their daily routine. We also encourage you to find something that you and your teen can do together, whether it’s as big as volunteering at a food pantry or as small as leaving a nice note for someone.

Of course, it doesn’t have to stop on February 17th…this could be the beginning of a habit of lifelong kindness for your teen!

If your teen needs support with managing their emotions and learning how to bring mindfulness into their daily life, contact us here to learn more.