Kindness and gratitude support mental and physical health

The author outlines research that links practicing kindness and gratitude to benefits for mental and physical health, citing outcomes such as reduced stress and improved sleep.

The author reflects on kindness and gratitude as essential practices for mental and physical health as we enter 2026. The piece draws on the author's experience living and working across cultures, including four years in the Peace Corps in South America. The United States is described as a diverse setting where kindness and gratitude can be expressed across communities. The author also cites scientific and clinical sources that connect these practices with measurable health effects. Reported benefits: - Acts of kindness are reported to have physical health benefits such as increased lifespan, more energy, reduced pain, and lower blood pressure. - Mental health effects linked to kindness include reduced stress and anxiety (with oxytocin cited), improved resilience, and reduced depression. - Small acts of kindness are described as producing pleasurable feelings through endorphin release and fostering community, empathy, and compassion. - Gratitude is reported to improve sleep quality, reduce stress and anxiety by shifting focus to positive aspects, and boost mood and positive emotions. - Gratitude is also reported to strengthen relationships, raise self-esteem, lower depression risk, encourage healthier habits, and increase mindfulness and present focus. Summary: The article reports that practicing kindness and gratitude is associated with multiple mental and physical health benefits and with stronger social connections. The author frames these practices as relevant to individual well-being and social cohesion in a diverse society. Undetermined at this time.