50 Times Neighbors Acted So Wholesomely, It Restored These People's Faith In Humanity

In an earlier interview, Bored Panda learned about the link between happiness and helping others from Vanessa King, the Head of Psychology at ‘Action for Happiness,’ a movement that aims to create a happier and more caring society. A large part of being happy comes from helping others because we’re a social species and evolved to live in groups. Helping each other out and working together is the “social glue” that helps keep all of us together.

"Participating in group activities and community events makes us happier too. When we do things for others it activates the reward center in the brain, so when we give a gift it feels the same as receiving a gift," King explained to Bored Panda that our own bodies reward us for being social.

Kindness and altruism don’t require you to be an actual superhero who makes the world a better place in a single swoop. Kindness is most often made up of small steps. And altruism is a habit that you can learn to incorporate into your life bit by bit. Start small because it’s not the size of the deed that matters, it’s the intent.

"You can give money to charity, donate to a food bank, or volunteer your time over Christmas. You can leave a food package or a note for an elderly neighbor. All of these actions help others and boost your own happiness and if we are happier, research shows we are even more likely to help others,” King said.

According to King, we shouldn’t stress out about whether or not our kindness is genuine or if we expect something in return at the start. It’s all part of the learning process to grow to expect nothing back. “Maybe at first, you start out doing things to help others only to get attention and praise, but you will find that doing things for others helps you feel good. Once you see the difference you can make in the world and to your own happiness and altruism can grow naturally," she told Bored Panda.

What’s more, King noted that kindness has a ripple effect. People are more likely to be kind when they’ve experienced kindness in return. So a kind neighbor inspires more neighbors to be kind as well.

"There’s an important point too here for people on the receiving end of kindness. If they can, it’s, of course, great to say thank you and add the positive impact it has for you e.g., 'Thank you, It’s great to know that someone cares.' That can really boost the glow for the giver and encourage them to give more," King said that thanking someone can encourage them to be kind in the future as well. So a warm thank-you or an offer of a glass of homemade iced tea goes a long way to making your neighborhood a happier, kinder place.