Research commissioned by protein shake brand For Goodness Shakes, involving 2,000 adults, reveals that simple acts of kindness can significantly improve mood and mental wellbeing. The study found that nine in 10 Brits (89%) believe the UK could benefit from more kindness, and 83% reported that spontaneous acts of kindness lift their spirits for the remainder of the day.
Top 10 Acts of Kindness
The top 10 acts of kindness identified include: helping an elderly neighbour, helping someone carry heavy bags, fixing or helping with something, giving up your seat on public transport, donating money, food or clothes, volunteering your time, helping a friend move or with errands, holding the door open for someone, returning a lost item, and making a meal for someone. More than half of Brits believe cooking a meal for someone represents the ultimate gesture of goodwill.
Generational Differences in Kindness
Gen Z favoured less traditional good deeds, such as leaving a positive comment online, sending a voice note to check in, or letting someone go first on gym equipment. In contrast, Boomers considered giving up a seat on public transport, holding the door open, and helping a friend move house or run errands as far more significant gestures.
Psychological Benefits of Kindness
TV psychologist Anjula Mutanda, who championed acts of kindness alongside For Goodness Shakes, said it was "fascinating to see how acts of kindness continue to evolve with each generation", but stressed they still come back to "the same hard-wired desire to connect, express support and look out for one another". She explained that carrying out acts of kindness can prompt the brain to produce "feel good" chemicals such as dopamine and oxytocin, which are associated with pleasure and reward and "play an integral part in helping to boost mood, reduce stress and create a sense of satisfaction". She summarised: "So, in doing good, we feel good too!"
Impact on Mental and Physical Health
According to the OnePoll data, 85% of respondents are confident there are mental and physical health advantages to spreading kindness. Additionally, 85% maintain that feeling positive internally leads to more constructive interactions with others, with 53% asserting it makes you more approachable. More than half (57%) state they are more inclined to perform an act of kindness if someone else does likewise.
The Goodness Exchange Event
For Goodness Shakes launched The Goodness Exchange at Battersea Power Station, where attendees signed a pledge to do good and were rewarded with protein shakes. Philippa Milburn, brand manager at For Goodness Shakes, added: "We recognise that doing good starts with feeling good, it can be as simple as making sure we get enough sleep, surrounding ourselves with the right people or ensuring our diet fuels us. When we're fuelled by nutritious ingredients and take care of our bodies, we set ourselves up positively for the day and are in a better position to show up for others too." She concluded: "The Goodness Exchange is about proving that doing good can feel good too and reminding people that everyday moments of kindness - whether at home, on a walk or on public transport – are more important than ever."
