News: Acts of Kindness Prescribed by Boom Boom! for Improved Health
No, we’re not doctors, but we do believe that performing acts of kindness improves physical and mental wellbeing. The health benefits of kindness are vast, inexpensive, and easily obtained.
Really? Health Benefits of Kindness? Says Who?
Examples are documented everywhere!
Medical experts have conducted studies to prove and evaluate the health benefits of kindness. Some of the after effects of an act of kindness can include a rush of euphoria, then a long period of calm, resulting in an elevated emotional condition and feelings of self-worth.
We recently read an account proclaiming that people who took time to volunteer in their community had fewer ailments and a longer life span than neighbors who did not. Another study focused on volunteers in their golden years. Seniors showed improved physical functioning after performing an act of kindness, such as reading to students or helping children with their reading skills.
Health benefits can even pass on to those who witness others performing acts of kindness. For example, one study noted a surge in immune system function after individuals watched a film about Mother Teresa.
An Act of Kindness Improves Health, Says Us!
A perfect act of kindness example was recently tweeted by Joy Keys, a member of Boom Boom! Revolution:
“Jul 15, 1:49pm -@joykeys: Just bought two people I didn’t know ice cream at Dairy Queen @boomboomcards.”
“Jul 15, 5:40pm – @joykeys: I felt pretty high after. Like all is well in the world. Put a smile on two people’s faces :-)”
With the simple purchase of ice cream Joy implemented the kindness idea on Boom Boom! Card #10 in the Original Deck, “Unexpectedly pick up the tab, even if it’s not a special occasion.” She gave herself a little dose of kindness therapy by playing Boom Boom!’s kindness cards, and shared the “natural medicine” of smiling, which we all know is highly contagious! But did you know that smiling also reduces stress, boosts the immune system, and lowers blood pressure? Yeah, we were happy to hear that too!
Don’t Believe the Experts? Or Us?
Well then, the only thing left to do is conduct your own study on the health benefits of kindness.
Study #1: Simply perform an act of kindness and record your feelings (post your story in the Boom Boom! community too!). You can observe the reaction of the receiver and try to take note of any individuals who observe the event as well.
OR
Study #2: Go bigger and gather teams of ‘do-gooders’ to execute acts on Boom Boom!’s kindness cards within the group; record the results and compare.
Whatever your preferred “scientific method,” please share your producers, findings and results! Tweet at us: @boomboomcards, and post on our Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/boomboomcards.
Cheers to good health, and Boom Boom!
