why we should be compassionate
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10 Scientific And Medical Reasons Why We Should Be Compassionate
by ANGEL CHANG
Though it may be hard to believe, humans are naturally compassionate creatures.
In fact, according to Deepak Chopra, M.D. — a renowned author and pioneer of integrative medicine — compassion is “an evolved part of human nature, rooted in our brain and biology.”
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However, in a present-day world that is routinely bombarded with negativity, it can be easy to become frustrated and angry and to take that anxiety out on others around us.
There are definitely small, easy ways you can relieve stress — but why not try improving your life by helping others improve theirs?
In an exclusive look below, we explore the benefits of being compassionate toward others.
By being a more compassionate, empathic person to others, you will not only find peace and genuine happiness within yourself, but you will also become physically healthier.
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Scroll further to read through the ways being compassionate will benefit your body and health, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
1. Gets Rid Of The Blues

LittleThings/Maya Borenstein
When we feel anxious or depressed, we’re likely to sink into a deep funk.
But instead of being focused on our negative feelings, it can be great to put our focus on other people, according to Emma Seppala, Ph.D., the director of Stanford University’s Center for Compassion.
By turning our focus on others, and helping them with whatever they need, we will gain more perspective on our own problems — thus helping us to work throughour feelings, rather than simply living with them.
2. It Elevates Us

LittleThings/Maya Borenstein
Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist at New York University, has found that when we see other people be kind to each other, we feel a sense of “elevation.”
You can likely relate to this. Do you ever feel inspired and more compassionate when you witness the heroic actions of others?
Most theories have shown that our actions and feelings are usually motivated purely by self-interest — but when we do good deeds or feel compassion for others, we gain a warm, uplifting sensation.
3. It Feels Better Than Buying Things

LittleThings/Maya Borenstein
Deep down, we all know that material wealth does nothing to nourish our spirit.
Michael Norton, a professor at Harvard Business School, conducted an experiment where he gave participants a sum of money. Half of them were told to spend the money on themselves, while the other half was instructed to spend money on others.
At the end of the study, the participants who had spent money on others felt significantly happier than those who didn’t.
Further studies have shown that even infants feel this way too. Children as young as two feel happier when they give their treats to others.
4. It Makes Us Attractive To Others

LittleThings/Maya Borenstein
Aside from working toward gaining material wealth and possessions, we all want to feel loved and accepted in life.
At work, we seek recognition; within our families, we seek respect and kindness; and in our romantic relationships, we look for intimacy and support.
According to Dr. Seppala, we may go to lengths to improve our appearance to impress others — but at the end of the day, the most valued quality that both men and women look for in a partner is kindness.
5. It Lowers Inflammation In The Body

LittleThings/Maya Borenstein
A significant amount of research has proven that being compassionate to others is linked directly to improved physical and mental health.
A new study done by researchers Steve Cole and Barbara Fredrickson showed that people who described themselves as “very happy” had lower levels of inflammation at the cellular level.
Interestingly, people who were happy purely because they lived the “good life” (possibly be marked by material wealth) had high inflammation levels.
To have a purpose, or “meaning,” in life is to focus less on satisfying yourself, and more on making others happy.
by ANGEL CHANG
Though it may be hard to believe, humans are naturally compassionate creatures.
In fact, according to Deepak Chopra, M.D. — a renowned author and pioneer of integrative medicine — compassion is “an evolved part of human nature, rooted in our brain and biology.”
Advertisement
However, in a present-day world that is routinely bombarded with negativity, it can be easy to become frustrated and angry and to take that anxiety out on others around us.
There are definitely small, easy ways you can relieve stress — but why not try improving your life by helping others improve theirs?
In an exclusive look below, we explore the benefits of being compassionate toward others.
By being a more compassionate, empathic person to others, you will not only find peace and genuine happiness within yourself, but you will also become physically healthier.
Advertisement
Scroll further to read through the ways being compassionate will benefit your body and health, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
1. Gets Rid Of The Blues

LittleThings/Maya Borenstein
When we feel anxious or depressed, we’re likely to sink into a deep funk.
But instead of being focused on our negative feelings, it can be great to put our focus on other people, according to Emma Seppala, Ph.D., the director of Stanford University’s Center for Compassion.
By turning our focus on others, and helping them with whatever they need, we will gain more perspective on our own problems — thus helping us to work throughour feelings, rather than simply living with them.
2. It Elevates Us

LittleThings/Maya Borenstein
Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist at New York University, has found that when we see other people be kind to each other, we feel a sense of “elevation.”
You can likely relate to this. Do you ever feel inspired and more compassionate when you witness the heroic actions of others?
Most theories have shown that our actions and feelings are usually motivated purely by self-interest — but when we do good deeds or feel compassion for others, we gain a warm, uplifting sensation.
3. It Feels Better Than Buying Things

LittleThings/Maya Borenstein
Deep down, we all know that material wealth does nothing to nourish our spirit.
Michael Norton, a professor at Harvard Business School, conducted an experiment where he gave participants a sum of money. Half of them were told to spend the money on themselves, while the other half was instructed to spend money on others.
At the end of the study, the participants who had spent money on others felt significantly happier than those who didn’t.
Further studies have shown that even infants feel this way too. Children as young as two feel happier when they give their treats to others.
4. It Makes Us Attractive To Others

LittleThings/Maya Borenstein
Aside from working toward gaining material wealth and possessions, we all want to feel loved and accepted in life.
At work, we seek recognition; within our families, we seek respect and kindness; and in our romantic relationships, we look for intimacy and support.
According to Dr. Seppala, we may go to lengths to improve our appearance to impress others — but at the end of the day, the most valued quality that both men and women look for in a partner is kindness.
5. It Lowers Inflammation In The Body

LittleThings/Maya Borenstein
A significant amount of research has proven that being compassionate to others is linked directly to improved physical and mental health.
A new study done by researchers Steve Cole and Barbara Fredrickson showed that people who described themselves as “very happy” had lower levels of inflammation at the cellular level.
Interestingly, people who were happy purely because they lived the “good life” (possibly be marked by material wealth) had high inflammation levels.
To have a purpose, or “meaning,” in life is to focus less on satisfying yourself, and more on making others happy.
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