Wednesday Is 'Random Acts Of Kindness' Day

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- Wednesday is Random Acts of Kindness Day, and before you cynics sneer, you should know that there's something in it for you, too, including better mental and physical health.

"By helping people out by doing little things to help others, we might be getting some positive affect in return that makes us feel better," Emily Ansell, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Yale University School of Medicine said.

Other research has shown that perpetually kind people have 23% less cortisol, the stress hormone and age more slowly that the average population.  But, it's important to do something, and not just write a check.

"There is some research that shows that touching others, that it might reduce our stress hormones," Ansell said.

Simple gestures like giving someone directions or holding the elevator for them can have a positive effect for the both of you. Ansell says additional studies will be needed to see if the findings hold across ethnically and culturally diverse populations.

Learn more ideas for random acts here.