Tom Vellner posted an article on buzzfeed.com listing some of the scientifically proven benefits of performing kind acts. As we all know, kindness makes the world a better place, but performing kind acts such as being nice to someone in traffic, smiling, volunteering or holding the door open for someone have a substantial impact on our physical and mental health. Here are some of the health benefits that Mr. Vellner lists for being kind:

1. It lengthens our life.
2. It improves our heart health.
3. It eases anxiety and depression.
4. It decreases pain.
5. It increases our happiness
6. It gives us energy
7. It’s contagious. As the article states, “ Research has found that everyone involved in an act of kindness—even someone who just witnessed it happen—benefits from it. They each experience the positive effects of kindness within the brain, which actually motivates them to pay it forward.”

When you think about it, we really can’t afford not to be kind.