Encountering stress, anxiety, and problems are inevitable in everyone's life. But without us knowing, these factors are already taking its toll to us. As a matter of fact, in a survey conducted, which was posted in Live Science, more and more people are becoming more lonely and depressed nowadays that deaths due to drug overdose and suicide are increasing dramatically.
To alter this problem, the medical field is working hand in hand to educate people on how to manage their emotional health well. Some of these things include drinking wine or coffee, giving in to the goodness of chocolates or other comfort foods, talking to an expert, and undergoing medication. Following these tips could be a great way to boost your emotions. Unfortunately, doing so could either increase your weight or increase your expenses, which could not be very good at all.
A recent study conducted, which was published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, answers to this need. Experts behind the study from Iowa State University claimed what they've found can help anyone feel happier, without investing a single cent or putting your diet at risk.
As reported by Body and Soul, the researchers found that diverting your emotions to the needs of other people and offering kindness to them can actually help boost one person's emotions. "Walking around and offering kindness to others in the world reduces anxiety and increases happiness and feelings of social connection", explained Douglas Gentile, a psychology professor and one of the study's lead authors.
In order to get the results of the study, the researchers gathered some information from the participants first such as their levels of happiness, stress, anxiety, empathy, and connectedness. After doing so, the participants were asked to roam around a building for 12 minutes. As they walk around, they were required to either show love and kindness genuinely, interconnect, or show downward social comparison towards every person they meet.
The results reveal that those students who choose to show downward social comparison felt less caring, empathetic, and connected to more people. There are also no changes found regarding their emotions. Students who showed love and kindness towards other people become happier, more connected, less anxious and more empathetic. On the other hand, those who choose to interconnect became more connected and empathetic towards other people as well.
This study only showed one important thing, experts explain. That is spreading love, happiness, and goodness to people doesn't just benefit the people around you, but it also benefits the people spreading the good vibes. "Extending loving-kindness to others worked equally well to reduce anxiety, increase happiness, empathy and feelings of social connection."
