How acts of kindness improve your heart and mind

December 9, 2025

The old saying is to give until it hurts, but it turns out the opposite is actually true: giving heals. Studies show that people who give regularly feel happier, experience less stress and even live longer.

Research has found that giving lights up the same part of the brain that makes you feel good when you eat your favorite food or when your team scores.

“Giving triggers a part of our brain that releases serotonin, which helps us feel satisfied and reduces anxiety,” said Omar Villanueva, DO, a family physician at NKC Health Primary Care – Platte City. “That release causes a chain of hormones and neurotransmitters, including dopamine, which help us feel better.”

The helper’s high is as good for your heart as it is for your mind. People who volunteer or donate often have lower blood pressure. Focusing on helping others also reduces anxiety and boosts confidence.

“If you can keep those levels up over time, there are many mental health benefits,” Dr. Villanueva said. “The benefits go a long way in reducing stress, which helps both physical and cardiac health.”

The medicine of giving and generosity has other surprising health benefits as well.

“One of the first things I do when somebody tells me they're having memory problems is ask them questions about their mood,” Dr. Villanueva explained. “Studies show that low mood is one of the biggest factors in memory loss. When we keep our serotonin and endorphin levels up, we support better long-term cognitive function.”

Helping others gives a sense of purpose, which helps the mind stay positive and motivated and the body stay strong and healthy.

“Just spending time with each other is important and often makes a real difference,” Dr. Villanueva said. “That alone can boost serotonin and endorphins in the brain.”

When you give from the heart, you lift others and yourself. You feel happier, your body relaxes and your life feels more meaningful.

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Joel Francis

Senior copywriter Joel Francis has extensive experience writing in a medical setting, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, KU Endowment at The University of Kansas Medical Center and Government Employees Health Association. He was also a long-time freelance music writer for the Kansas City Star.