Random Acts of Kindness are small, unexpected gestures that can brighten the day for friends, colleagues, and total strangers. There are many ways to show random kindness, from buying a stranger coffee to walking a neighbor’s dog or volunteering at a local senior center. While Random Acts of Kindness might appear to be mere small gestures, these actions have the power to evoke healing both personally and community-wide by creating positive experiences.
Kindness coming from the heart literally comes from the heart, and research shows how Random Acts of Kindness positively affect cardiovascular health. Two major biochemical contributors are the release of oxytocin and nitric oxide, both of which lower blood pressure. Oxytocin is a hormone released in response to sensory stimulation, such as warmth or touch. When released, oxytocin lowers blood pressure by widening blood vessels (vasodilation) and activating the parasympathetic nervous system, putting the body into a ‘rest and digest’ state [1].
Nitric oxide also contributes to vasodilation and the regulation of blood flow, further decreasing blood pressure alongside oxytocin. This potent signaling molecule also reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in the vascular walls [2]. One study on nitric oxide examined how loving-kindness meditation (a meditation style that starts by expressing kindness toward oneself and then expanding that kindness to others) affected nitric oxide production. The results revealed that experienced meditators had higher nitric oxide levels and significantly lower stress levels than inexperienced meditators [3].
Participating in Random Acts of Kindness not only positively affects the giver but also benefits the receiver of the kindness. When others witness these positive experiences, it can stir up empathy and compassion, leading to a cascade of Random Acts of Kindness—and ultimately healing—throughout the community.
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Author: Dr. Kellyann Tomko, ND
References:
[1] Cicekliyurt MM, Dermenci B. Relationship between oxytocin receptor gene polymorphism and hypertension in Turkish population. Rev Port Cardiol. 2022 Nov;41(11):911-916. English, Portuguese. doi: 10.1016/j.repc.2021.06.028. Epub 2022 Oct 17. PMID: 36266116.
[2] Roy R, Wilcox J, Webb AJ, O'Gallagher K. Dysfunctional and Dysregulated Nitric Oxide Synthases in Cardiovascular Disease: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Oct 15;24(20):15200. doi: 10.3390/ijms242015200. PMID: 37894881; PMCID: PMC10607291.
[3] Kemper KJ, Powell D, Helms CC, Kim-Shapiro DB. Loving-kindness meditation's effects on nitric oxide and perceived well-being: a pilot study in experienced and inexperienced meditators. Explore (NY). 2015 Jan-Feb;11(1):32-9. doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2014.10.002. Epub 2014 Oct 23. PMID: 25457445.
Disclaimer:
This information is generalized and intended for educational purposes only. Due to potential individual contraindications, please see your primary care provider before implementing any strategies in these posts.