As children, we are taught to be nice to others. In fact, one of the most commonly heard refrains in any preschool classroom is, “be nice”. While the word “nice” is broad and seemingly all-encompassing for any behavior, it can be a little vague as well. Exactly what does nice mean? I Love Nice People wants to spread happiness through the simple act of being nice, so today we will look closely at some benefits that come from being nice to others. After you’ve finished reading, check out our online store to see our ladies’ tees and tops that you can purchase to help spread happiness through being nice in your part of the world.
Increase Feel-Good Hormones
Scientists have researched kindness and found connections between the action of being nice, and the hormones that are released into our bodies. Doing nice things for others has been proven to boost serotonin, which is the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of satisfaction and well-being. Think about the last time you helped out a friend or neighbor and the way you felt when you were done. You probably just realized that you felt really good about yourself. Based on research, we know that those emotions were not “all in your head”, but actually directly related to the chemicals that were released as a result of being nice.
Reduce Stress
Many of us experience stress and anxiety on a regular basis and are well aware of what an unpleasant sensation those emotions produce in our bodies. In fact, many people spend an incredible amount of money on a variety of options that promise to help with reducing stress and anxiety, such as: massage, meditation classes, and prescription medications. One of the easiest and cheapest ways to reduce stress, however, is simply through being nice to others. When we choose to focus on helping someone else for no other reason than being nice, it benefits us by reducing the chemicals that lead to stressful feelings. Wearing tees and tops with the message, “I Love Nice People” can be a small way that you help others to remember the importance of this mindset. 
Good For Your Heart
We all know that taking care of our heart is important, and we also know many of the things that are recommended to help us in this endeavor. Some of us may drink a glass of red wine each evening, others may try to fit a large amount of dark, leafy greens into their daily diet. One thing that all of us can do for our hearts is to look for ways to be nice to others. We’re not just talking about “warm fuzzies,” either. You have the power to affect the actual chemical balance of your heart with the choices you make. When we are nice, oxytocin is released, which in turn releases a chemical called nitric oxide. This chemical then goes into the blood vessels which causes them to dilate and, ultimately, reduces blood pressure. So maybe what they say is true about nice people having big hearts?
Increase Lifespan
Before you dismiss this point as a bunch of science fiction, let us point out that there is scientific research to actually support this statement. Being nice to others most likely means that you have a healthy social network of friends and family. This fact is important because being lonely can break your heart, literally. People who do not have a strong network of friends and family are at risk for developing heart disease. Studies show that the effects of loneliness are comparable to the risks posed by high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and even smoking. So whether you are an introvert, or an extrovert, it is important to put time and effort into your relationships. Being nice can increase your lifespan.
Prevent Illness
Connected with your heart health, and the length of your life, is the matter of preventing illness. After reading the previous paragraph, it will not surprise you to learn that not only does the act of being nice have a strong influence on your heart health, but also on reducing inflammation in your body. Inflammation leads to all sorts of other health problems such as diabetes, cancer, chronic pain, and even obesity, just to name a few. One study showed that volunteering had the strongest association with lower levels of inflammation. As we mentioned earlier, when we are nice, the hormone oxytocin is released, and this hormone helps to reduce inflammation.
While being nice is great on its own — just for the way that it helps the other person — there are many tangible reasons that benefit you as well. If you are looking for ways to reduce your stress, improve your health, and just feel good about yourself, then start looking for ways to be nice to others. I Love Nice People partners with charities to enable us to be nice to people around the world, in addition to being nice to people in our own part of the globe. When you shop our online store for ladies tees and tops that will help spread the message, a portion of your money will also go towards helping the charities we partner with. Join the movement!