Ancient people said, “Do not refrain from doing good because it is small, and do not engage in evil because it is minor.” This phrase reminds people that even small acts of kindness should be done. A recent survey has found that performing good deeds can bring people a sense of joy, and this feeling can last for up to 4 hours. Experts say that doing good deeds is beneficial for mental health, creating a virtuous cycle.
A survey conducted by the international market research firm OnePoll on 2,000 adult Britons revealed that people typically do 223 good deeds a year, and the joy from these acts can last for 4 hours.
According to the survey, motivations for doing good deeds include wanting to make others feel good (40%) and wanting to feel satisfied oneself (34%). Among the participants, 82% reported positive feelings after doing a good deed.
The survey indicated that 58% of people believe that acts of kindness do not have to be grand, as small gestures can also have an impact. 54% feel that there are not enough people doing good deeds nowadays.
It was mentioned in the survey that 61% of individuals have experienced someone doing unexpectedly kind deeds for them. As a result, 65% expressed gratitude, 60% conveyed thanks, and 42% felt loved.
Psychologist Emma Reed Turrell said, “Positive social interactions benefit our mental health. When we share positive experiences with others, our brains release oxytocin, which enhances empathy, trust, and relationship building.”
She also noted that the more pleasurable acts individuals engage in, the more oxytocin their brains release, creating a virtuous cycle.
As mentioned above, over half of the survey respondents believe that doing good deeds does not necessarily have to be significant; even small efforts can make a difference. The following are the 20 most common acts of kindness:
1. Holding the door for someone.
2. Fetching packages for a neighbor.
3. Giving directions to someone.
4. Donating to charity.
5. Boiling water for family.
6. Giving up a seat on public transport.
7. Making tea for technicians working in your home.
8. Letting other vehicles go first at an intersection.
9. Buying food or drinks for family members when out.
10. Giving someone a ride.
11. Shopping at struggling businesses.
12. Making tea for colleagues.
13. Helping with household chores for relatives.
14. Assisting older people with technology.
15. Lending money to someone.
16. Helping carry heavy shopping items.
17. Purchasing items for someone unwell.
18. Giving away items to friends.
19. Helping someone move houses.
20. Picking up litter in public areas.
Previous studies have also shown that performing good deeds can improve mental health and happiness.
In a previous report, Meena Andiappan, a social scientist at the University of Toronto, conducted research on moral behavior and happiness. Her research indicated that doing good deeds helps enhance mental health and happiness.
Andiappan stated that performing acts of kindness does not have to be difficult, time-consuming, or expensive. In fact, it can be something done within 60 seconds, without significant effort or any money – just by holding the door for a stranger or praising your colleague.
She emphasized that while kindness may not be a universal treatment for emotional management, these small acts of kindness confirm the proverb that helping others is helping oneself.