Simple Acts Of Kindness Also Benefit Those Who Give Back

This article is is brought to you by Dignity Health

Simple acts of kindness cannot only benefit your overall health, but the health of others as well. The simple act of sharing of oneself creates a bond of goodwill that is contagious. This kind of contagious goodwill is more than just smiling at someone when you pass them on the street. Nor is it a random act. Instead, developing the habit of sharing kindness has healing, nurturing power.

Acts of Kindness Are Ageless

Mr. Jacobs is in his 80's. He volunteers his time at a local community college study room, helping students who are struggling with business math by tapping into his 40+ years of experience in the banking industry. The college does not pay him to tutor students — he does it because he wants to.

"It helps me stay sharp. I'm keeping the old noggin' working. I'm retired, so I could sit at home and watch my life slip away, or I could do something that could help someone. I choose to help," said Jacobs, who says working with the students keeps him young. "My doctor said that when you have an active life, you have a life of purpose — of meaning. I lost my wife years ago. When she was alive, she used to volunteer her time, too. She tutored students who came here from other countries that were trying to learn English. She loved it when they would move on to the next level. She reminded them of their progress."

Jacobs said he enjoys going to the college graduation ceremonies of the students he has helped get through math. "Many of the kids have gone on to work on Wall Street and that makes me proud," said Jacobs.

Many people will participate in acts of kindness during the holiday season. People feel generous during the festive time of year, but many people go beyond the holiday season and participate throughout the year. Random Acts of Kindness groups are all across the country. They help connect people to organizations to help others. Whether it is building ramps for wheelchair-bound individuals, serving food to residents at local shelters, shopping for and wrapping presents to give to the homeless for Christmas, or making sandwiches to pass out to the homeless, these acts of goodwill and kindness are powerful.

The Power of Helping Others Helps You

"I do this because I know what it is like to be in need," said Leah Byrd of Dallas, Texas, who regularly donates her own time to help others. "When I first moved to town, I didn't have anything. I didn't have interview clothes. I had to buy these items bit by bit with the meager funds I had. I took the steps I needed to take to make better choices. As a result, I am in a better place and am able to help others."

Now, she is able to re-channel the kindness shown to her with her own acts of kindness for others in a cycle of giving.

"I have collected school supplies for homeless kids. I've reupholstered furniture for Dwell with dignity that decorates apartments and homes for people who are transitioning from a shelter to a home. From painting the place, to making curtains from donated fabric, it helps others get back on their feet," said Byrd. "When I contacted Habitat for Humanity I didn't know how to use a drill or other power tools. They said, 'don't worry about that; just come.' I planted flowers and shrubs. You may not know how to work power tools but you can easily learn how to use a paint roller. It is good for the heart and soul to get out and do things for someone who truly needs it."

Byrd reminds people that it does not take a huge commitment to make a big difference, and the action may bring surprising benefits to you, as well, beyond just a warm and fuzzy feeling.

"If you are low on money, this is a good way to give back. An hour isn't a lot of time, but it is time that is invaluable to someone. Donating your time to help out at a local community garden puts you in contact with other like-minded people. This social interaction is key in helping them and helping you," said Byrd.

The Medical Benefits Of Mindfulness

"In the treatment of chronic problems, mindfulness techniques, exercise meditation, etc. have been shown to improve goals of care such as blood pressure reduction, along with medications," said Dr. Priya Radhakrishnan, chair of the Internal Medicine department at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. "In our fast-paced society, there is increasing evidence that 'switching' off our devices and paying attention to our minds and bodies will improve our physical and mental health and ultimately our productivity of our society if we take time to do the activities that promote health and wellness," she said.

The healing effects of simple acts of kindness may not be measurable by a scale or test, but they are there and they are limitless.

This article was written by Robin D. Everson via Examiner.com for CBS Local Media.