Are you aware that there is sound research to support the benefits of the act of kindness? Even given in the smallest gesture, such as holding the door for someone or offering a smile, it can mean a difference to those in need and our well-being. A kind relationship with ourselves spreads to others, so our kindness to self can be contagious. 
Dr. Waguih William IsHak, a psychiatry professor at Cedars-Sinai, California, discovered that the joy of giving and receiving kindness is a powerful force. Oxytocin, the ‘love hormone,’ is responsible for this uplifting feeling. Her studies have shown that random acts of kindness trigger the release of dopamine, a chemical messenger in the brain that gives us a sense of euphoria and a ‘helper high.’ 
Kindness is a mood enhancer that should be a part of our daily lives. One way to incorporate this is to work on yourself so that you will be in a better position to help others. When we are kind to ourselves, we are better equipped to be kind to others. 
Working on the self can be achieved through the practice of Mindfulness. This can be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath, or engaging fully in a task without letting your mind wander. 
Mindfulness is the essential human ability to be fully present and aware of where we are and what we’re doing, not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s happening around us. Whenever you bring awareness to what you’re experiencing at that moment in time, you are mindful.
Many of us struggle with judgment for ourselves and others based on expectations. We listen to the voice inside, resulting in negative emotions, doubt, fear, a feeling of worthlessness, and shame, leaving us disconnected from others. Mindfulness helps us cultivate an attitude of openness and unconditional friendlessness, sending messages of kindness, compassion, or loving intentions to ourselves and others. So when you hesitate to give the act of kindness, think about its many benefits in practice.