The Science of Compassion: How Kindness Benefits Our Health

In a world that often emphasizes individual achievement and competition, it’s easy to overlook the quiet power of compassion and kindness. Yet, these qualities do far more than enrich our interactions—they also have positive impacts on our health and well-being. Let’s explore the science behind these benefits and discover how cultivating kindness can enhance not only our relationships but also our mental and physical vitality, empowering us to live at our best.

What is compassion, anyway?

Compassion involves a deep sense of empathy that goes beyond a simple act of doing good. According to compassion researcher Jennifer Mascaro, PhD, genuine compassion includes “an awareness of another’s suffering, a benevolent emotional response to this suffering, and a desire or motivation to help relieve that suffering.” Compassion is about seeing someone else’s difficulty, feeling moved by it, and wanting to help—even if it’s in small ways.

Kindness, a close companion to compassion, is when we choose to do something that helps others or ourselves, driven by warm, genuine feelings. Acts of kindness don’t have to be grand gestures; they can be as simple as holding the door for someone, giving up a seat on a bus, or checking in with a friend. Small acts like these, done with compassion, can create powerful ripples of positivity.