How did Mike Poulin’s illustrious NLL career unfold. What records did he set with the Georgia Swarm. Why is Poulin transitioning to an assistant general manager role. How will his experience benefit the Swarm’s player acquisition and development.
Mike Poulin’s Remarkable 15-Year NLL Career
Mike Poulin, the veteran National Lacrosse League (NLL) goaltender, has officially announced his retirement after an impressive 15-year career. Poulin’s journey through the NLL has been nothing short of extraordinary, spanning five different teams and culminating in a stellar five-season stint with the Georgia Swarm.
Throughout his career, Poulin amassed an incredible 9,860.93 minutes across 247 games, which translates to nearly 7 full days spent defending the net. His remarkable consistency and longevity have earned him a place among the NLL’s all-time greats, with top-six rankings in three crucial statistical categories:
- 4th in goalie wins (102)
- 5th in goalie minutes played (9,860.93)
- 6th in goalie saves (6,250)
Poulin’s journey to NLL stardom began when he was drafted by the Buffalo Bandits in the second round (21st overall) of the 2005 NLL Entry Draft. However, it wasn’t until 2007 that he saw his first NLL action after being picked up as a free agent by the Toronto Rock.
Teams Poulin Played For
- Buffalo Bandits (2006)
- Toronto Rock (2007-2008)
- Boston Blazers (2009-2010)
- Calgary Roughnecks (2010-2016)
- Georgia Swarm (2017-2022)
Poulin’s Impact on the Georgia Swarm
In 2016, Poulin signed with the Georgia Swarm as a free agent, quickly becoming a fan favorite and leaving an indelible mark on the franchise. During his five seasons with the Swarm, Poulin established himself as the team’s all-time leader in several categories:
- Wins: 49
- Saves: 2,973
- Minutes played: 4,519.78
Poulin’s impact extended beyond just regular season play. In playoff performances, he ranks third all-time in NLL history for playoff goalie saves (785) and playoff goalie minutes (1,236), while also holding the fifth spot for playoff goalie wins (12).
Accolades and Achievements
Poulin’s illustrious career is adorned with numerous awards and accolades, testament to his skill, leadership, and sportsmanship:
- NLL Championship (Georgia, 2017)
- NLL Teammate of the Year (2016, 2017, 2020)
- NLL Goaltender of the Year (Calgary, 2012)
- NLL All-Pro First Team (2012)
- NLL All-Pro Second Team (2017)
One of Poulin’s most significant achievements came during his final season when he became only the fourth NLL goalie to reach the 100-win milestone. He achieved this feat on March 12, 2022, in a game against the Halifax Thunderbirds.
Transitioning to Assistant General Manager
While Poulin is stepping away from his role as a player, he isn’t leaving the Georgia Swarm organization. In an exciting development, he will be transitioning to the role of Assistant General Manager, focusing on Player Acquisition and Development.
This new position will allow Poulin to leverage his extensive experience and knowledge of the game to help shape the future of the Swarm. His understanding of player dynamics, team culture, and the nuances of successful lacrosse strategies will be invaluable in his new role.
How Will Poulin’s Experience Benefit the Swarm?
- Player evaluation: His years of on-field experience will provide unique insights into player potential and fit.
- Team culture: Poulin’s leadership qualities can help maintain and enhance the Swarm’s winning culture.
- Goalie development: His expertise in goaltending can be particularly beneficial in nurturing young talent in this crucial position.
- Strategic planning: Poulin’s understanding of game dynamics can contribute to overall team strategy and roster construction.
The Impact of Poulin’s Retirement on the Swarm
Poulin’s retirement marks the end of an era for the Georgia Swarm. His consistency, leadership, and exceptional play have been cornerstone elements of the team’s success over the past five seasons. The void left by his departure from the active roster will undoubtedly be felt both on and off the field.
However, the transition of Poulin to a front office role ensures that his influence and expertise will continue to shape the team’s future. His intimate knowledge of the game, understanding of player dynamics, and familiarity with the Swarm organization make him an ideal candidate for the Assistant General Manager position.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Goaltender succession: Finding a replacement for Poulin’s consistent play will be a key challenge for the Swarm.
- Leadership transition: New players will need to step up to fill the leadership void left by Poulin’s retirement.
- Tactical adjustments: The team may need to adapt its playing style to accommodate a new starting goaltender.
- Player development: Poulin’s new role offers an opportunity to enhance the Swarm’s player development pipeline.
Poulin’s Legacy in the NLL
Mike Poulin’s retirement not only impacts the Georgia Swarm but also leaves a lasting legacy on the National Lacrosse League as a whole. His career spans a significant period in the league’s history, during which he has been a consistent top performer and ambassador for the sport.
Statistical Legacy
Poulin’s career statistics place him among the elite goaltenders in NLL history:
- 4th all-time in wins (102)
- 5th all-time in minutes played (9,860.93)
- 6th all-time in saves (6,250)
- 3rd all-time in playoff saves (785)
- 3rd all-time in playoff minutes played (1,236)
- 5th all-time in playoff wins (12)
These numbers not only highlight Poulin’s individual excellence but also his consistency and longevity in a physically demanding position. His ability to perform at a high level across 15 seasons is a testament to his skill, work ethic, and dedication to the sport.
Impact on Goaltending in the NLL
Poulin’s style of play and approach to the game have influenced a generation of NLL goaltenders. His ability to read the game, make clutch saves, and contribute to team success both on and off the field has set a high standard for future players in the position.
Some key aspects of Poulin’s goaltending that have left a mark on the league include:
- Positional play: Poulin’s excellent positioning often made difficult saves look routine.
- Mental toughness: His ability to bounce back from goals and maintain focus throughout games was exemplary.
- Leadership: Poulin’s vocal presence on the field helped organize defenses and inspire teammates.
- Consistency: His ability to perform at a high level game after game, season after season, set him apart from many of his peers.
The Future of Goaltending in the NLL
With Poulin’s retirement, the landscape of goaltending in the NLL is set to evolve. His departure creates opportunities for emerging talents to step into the spotlight and make their mark on the league. The next generation of NLL goaltenders will likely draw inspiration from Poulin’s career while also bringing their own unique skills and approaches to the position.
Emerging Trends in NLL Goaltending
- Athleticism: The increasing speed of the game is demanding more athletic and agile goaltenders.
- Stick skills: Modern NLL goaltenders are expected to contribute to the transition game with accurate outlet passes.
- Analytics: The use of advanced statistics and video analysis is becoming more prevalent in goaltender training and evaluation.
- Mental preparation: With the high-pressure nature of the position, mental toughness and psychological preparation are receiving increased focus.
As the game continues to evolve, future NLL goaltenders will need to adapt to these trends while maintaining the fundamental skills and mental fortitude exemplified by players like Mike Poulin throughout his career.
Poulin’s Transition to Front Office: A Growing Trend
Mike Poulin’s move from the playing field to the front office as Assistant General Manager is part of a growing trend in professional sports, including the NLL. This transition allows teams to benefit from the extensive knowledge and experience of former players in shaping the future of their organizations.
Advantages of Players Transitioning to Management
- Intimate knowledge of the game: Former players bring a deep understanding of on-field dynamics and player perspectives.
- Player relations: Ex-players often have strong relationships within the league, which can be beneficial in negotiations and recruitment.
- Cultural understanding: They have firsthand experience of team culture and what it takes to build a winning environment.
- Fan connection: Former players turned executives can help maintain a strong connection with the fan base.
Poulin’s transition to Assistant General Manager, focusing on Player Acquisition and Development, is a strategic move by the Georgia Swarm. It allows them to retain his expertise and leadership within the organization while benefiting from his unique perspective as a recently retired player.
Challenges in the Transition
While the move from player to executive can be advantageous, it also comes with its own set of challenges:
- Learning new skills: The business side of sports requires a different skill set from playing.
- Objectivity: Former players must learn to make decisions based on organizational needs rather than personal relationships.
- Long-term planning: Executives need to think beyond the immediate season, focusing on long-term organizational success.
- Adapting to a new role: Transitioning from being ‘one of the guys’ to a position of authority can be challenging.
Poulin’s success in his new role will depend on how effectively he navigates these challenges while leveraging his playing experience to benefit the Swarm organization.
The Future of the Georgia Swarm
With Mike Poulin’s retirement and transition to the front office, the Georgia Swarm enters a new era. The team faces the challenge of building upon its recent successes while adapting to the loss of a key player and leader.
Key Areas of Focus for the Swarm
- Goaltender development: Finding and nurturing talent to fill the void left by Poulin’s retirement.
- Maintaining team culture: Ensuring the winning culture fostered during Poulin’s tenure continues.
- Strategic recruitment: Leveraging Poulin’s new role to attract and develop top talent.
- Tactical evolution: Adapting team strategies to complement the strengths of the new starting goaltender.
- Fan engagement: Maintaining strong connections with the fan base during this transition period.
The Swarm’s ability to navigate this transition successfully will be crucial in maintaining their competitive edge in the NLL. Poulin’s presence in the front office provides continuity and a bridge between the team’s past successes and its future aspirations.
Long-term Vision
Looking ahead, the Georgia Swarm’s long-term vision likely includes:
- Sustained competitiveness: Building a roster capable of competing for championships year after year.
- Player development pipeline: Establishing a robust system for identifying and nurturing young talent.
- Innovation in strategy and tactics: Staying at the forefront of tactical innovations in the sport.
- Community engagement: Strengthening ties with the local community to build a dedicated fan base.
- Organizational excellence: Developing a reputation as a top-tier organization that attracts elite talent.
With Poulin’s transition to the front office, the Swarm gains valuable insights and experience to help achieve these long-term goals. His understanding of what it takes to succeed in the NLL, both as an individual player and as part of a championship team, will be invaluable in shaping the franchise’s future.
Mike Poulin Announces Retirement, Transitions to Swarm’s Assistant General Manager
July 28, 2022
By: Nicole Palombo
DULUTH, Ga. (July 28, 2022) – After a 15-year reign in net (five seasons with the Swarm) Mike Poulin officially announced his retirement from the Georgia Swarm and the National Lacrosse League. After being signed as a free agent in 2016 with the Swarm, Poulin quickly enamored himself with Swarm fans and became the franchise’s leader in wins (49), saves (2,973), and minutes played (4,519.78).
Although the five-year Georgia Swarm starting goaltender is parting from the field, he will remain with the organization as he transitions to the Georgia Swarm’s Assistant General Manager, Player Acquisition and Development.
“It’s been an honor to play in the NLL, the past 16 seasons have been an incredible journey that I will never forget,” said Mike Poulin. “I’ve happily decided it is time to walk away from playing lacrosse to spend more time at home with my family, but I look forward to staying involved with the Georgia Swarm in my new role. I am forever grateful to the organizations that gave me an opportunity to play in the NLL; the Buffalo Bandits, Toronto Rock, Boston Blazers, Calgary Roughnecks, and of course the Georgia Swarm.”
Poulin was drafted by the Buffalo Bandits during the 2005 NLL Entry Draft in the second round, 21st overall. He saw his first NLL action after being picked up as a free agent by the Toronto Rock in 2007.
The Kitchener, Ontario native was a part of five teams throughout this career (Buffalo Bandits; ’06, Toronto Rock; ’07-’08, Boston Blazers; ’09-’10, Calgary Roughnecks; ’10-’16 and Georgia Swarm; ’17-‘22 ) logging 9,860.93 minutes across 247 games which equates to 6.85 full days spent in net. During that time frame, Poulin saved 6,250 total shots.
“I want to thank Mike and his family for the amazing contributions to the Swarm organization” said Owner and General Manager John Arlotta. “Not only has he been a great player, but he has been the consummate professional and teammate who has led this organization both on and off the field.
He will be sorely missed, but his contributions to our team and our culture will live on.”
Poulin retires as one of the best goalies to ever suit up in the NLL, ranking top-six in three different all-time statistical categories. He ends his career ranked fourth in goalie wins (102), fifth in goalie minutes (9,860.93), and sixth in goalie saves (6,250). Poulin is one of four NLL goalies to ever eclipse the centennial win mark, achieving it during his final season on March 12, 2022, against the Halifax Thunderbirds.
Although the Swarm was one game shy of clinching a playoff berth this season, Poulin still holds the third-place record in all-time playoff goalie saves (785) and playoff goalie minutes (1,236), while ranking fifth in playoff goalie wins (12).
Poulin notched his career high in saves during the 2018 season when he totaled 692, placing him seventh on the all-time NLL single-season saves list.
“I have so many wonderful memories of Mike in his six years with the Swarm organization” said Arlotta.
“However, there are two that will stand out in my mind forever. The first was August 1, 2016, when we sat in a restaurant and discussed how we could work together to meet our mutual goal of an NLL Championship. His free agent signing that day turned us into a true championship contender. We were a good team before Mike Poulin, but we became a great team with Mike Poulin.”
“The second was June 10, 2017, the day we won the NLL Champions Cup,” said Arlotta. “Watching Mike’s teammates mob him and seeing him achieve his dream of winning an NLL Championship is something I will never forget. I’m elated he has decided to continue to help us pursue championships in his new role as Assistant GM, Player Acquisition and Development. I can’t think of a better person to help us win another NLL Cup.”
The decorated goaltender is retiring with one NLL Championship (Georgia; 2017), three NLL Teammate of the Year awards (2016, 2017, 2020), one NLL Goaltender of the Year honor (Calgary; 2012), and two NLL All-Pro Team accolades (2012 First Team, 2017 Second Team).
“Mike has not only been an excellent goalie and teammate in this league,” said Head Coach Ed Comeau. “He has also truly been a pleasure to coach. His desire to win, his commitment to doing whatever it took to continue playing at a high level, coupled with his ability to connect with everyone in the organization made him a great asset to the Swarm. His passion and his humor will be missed by everyone, and we wish him well as he retires and pursues his next chapter in lacrosse.”
Poulin played a major role in the team’s success on the field and will now transfer that mindset over to the front office as he becomes a valuable asset in the club’s player evaluation and acquisition of on field talent.
As Poulin retires, so does the iconic “You got nothing, we got Mike POOOUUULIN” chant which was bellowed by in-game announcer Tim Hanchey whenever Poulin would showcase one of his trademark big saves.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by great teammates and leaders throughout my career, too many to list, but I am thankful for every teammate I shared a locker room with,” said Poulin.
Poulin’s departure is bittersweet, as what he leaves on the turf will be translated into his new front office role with the Swarm.
Michael J. Poulin – Department of Psychology
Education
- PhD, University of California – Irvine
Current Research
A unifying theme in my research is that of responding to adversity. Research in my Stress, Coping, and Prosocial Engagement (SCoPE Lab) investigates this theme in two ways: by investigating the processes by which people respond to the adversity of others, and by examining the resources through which people manage their own adversity. Our research on responses to the adversity of others, or prosocial engagement, focuses on the concepts of empathy and compassion, and seeks to provide detailed understandings of these phenomena, especially by understanding the ways in which acting empathically or with compassion involve navigating the tension between self- and other-focused goals.
Our research on how people manage their own adversity, or research on stress and coping, has uncovered diverse phenomena that can serve as coping resources. However, much of our work focuses on the ways in which prosocial engagement itself can serve as a stress buffer, including by reducing self-focus and lessening the effects of stress on health outcomes.
Selected Publications
- Poulin, M. J., Ministero, L. M., Gabriel, S., Morrison, C. D., & Naidu, E. (2021). Minding your own business? Mindfulness decreases prosocial behavior for those with independent self-construals. Psychological Science, 32, 1699-1708.
- Lodi-Smith, J., Ponterio, E. J., Newton, N. J., Poulin, M. J., Baranski, E., & Whitbourne, S. K. (2021). The co-development of generativity and well-being into early late life. Psychology and Aging, 36, 299-308.
- Qu, H., Konrath, S., & Poulin, M. J. (2020). Which types of giving are associated with reduced mortality risk among older adults? Personality and Individual Differences, 154, 109668.
- DeLury, S. S., Buffone, A. E. K., Ministero, L. M., & Poulin, M. J. (2020). Compassion is partially selfless: Public self-concept accessibility following compassion and threat. Self and Identity, 19, 181-200.
- Delury, S. S., & Poulin, M. J. (2018). Self-compassion and verbal performance: Evidence for threat-buffering and implicit self-related thoughts. Self and Identity, 17, 710-722.
- Poulin, M. J. (2018). Is all morality or just prosociality externalized? Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 41, e110. [commentary]
- Mroz, E. L., Poulin, M. J., Grant, P. C., Depner, R. M., Breier, J., Byrwa, D. J., & Wright, S. T. (2018). Caregiver self-esteem as a predictor of patient relationship satisfaction: A longitudinal study. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 21, 376-379.
- Ministero, L. M., Poulin, M. J., Buffone, A. E. K., & DeLury, S. S. (2018). Empathic concern and the desire to help as separable components of compassionate responding. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 44, 475-491.
- Monin, J. K., Poulin, M. J., Brown, S. L., & Langa, K. M. (2017). Spouses’ daily feelings of appreciation and self-reported well-being. Health Psychology, 36, 1135-1139.
- Buffone, A. E. K., Poulin, M. J., DeLury, S. S., Ministero, L. M., & Morrison, C. D. (2017). Don’t walk in her shoes! Different forms of perspective taking affect stress physiology. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 72, 161-168.
- Poulin, M. J., & Haase, C. M. (2015). Growing to trust: Evidence that trust increases and sustains well-being across the life span. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 6, 614-621.
- Buffone, A. E. K., & Poulin, M. J. (2014). Empathy, target distress, and neurohormone genes interact to predict aggression for others: Even without provocation. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 40, 1406-1422.
- Poulin, M. J. (2014). Volunteering predicts health among those who value others: Two national studies. Health Psychology, 33, 120-129.
- Poulin, M. J., Brown, S. L., Dillard, A., & Smith, D. M. (2013). Stress does not predict increased mortality among those who give to others. American Journal of Public Health, 103, 1649-1655.
Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 44, 475-491.
Health Psychology, 33, 120-129.Winner – frwiki.wiki
Unlock is a hardcore punk band of America, originally from Boston, Massachusetts. Their latest studio album Defeater was released in 2019.
Since 2008, Defeater has performed on stage numerous times with big names in the hardcore punk scene including Comeback Kid, Have Heart, Carpathian and Miles Aways.
Summary
- 1 Biography
- 2 topics
- 3 Environmental activism
- 4 members
- 4.1 Current members
- 4.2 Former members of
- 5 Discography
- 5.1 Studio albums
- 5.2EP
- 5.3 Singles
- 6 Video recording
- 7 Notes and references
biography
The band consists of Derek Archambault (vocals), Joe Longobardi (drums), Mike Poulin (bass), Jay Maas and Jake Woodruff (guitar).
In November 2008 the band signed with Bridge 9 Records. Their first studio album was released the same year. Produced by Topshelf Records, it is re-released by Bridge 9 Records for wider distribution. He followed up with an EP, weakened by , in 2009.
In 2011, Defeater released their second album Empty Days and Sleepless Nights, which is still on Bridge 9 label.0005 Letters Home . In 2013, they performed in support of August Burns Red.
Themes
One of the originalities of Defeater lies in the writing of the concepts of his album and his lyrics, in particular because of the connections of the various protagonists that we find on the three discs. Narrative in America (USA) from mid XX – th century, torn between prosperity after the war (World War II) and suffering.
Through fictional stories, the group faces a wide range of social difficulties, including those related to returning to the front, difficulties and violence in the same family, addictions (alcohol, drugs), isolation, etc.
An important place should be noted. religions throughout the stories.
environmental activism
In addition, he is known for his commitment to the environment: travel was made from 100% recycled materials, and the van used for travel was modified to run on vegetable oil. The latter idea was so popular in the punk scene that former drummer Andy Reitz is now the co-founder of Greenvans, a biofuel van rental company.
Members
Current members
- Derek Archambault – vocals, guitar, piano, lyrics (since 2008)
- Mike Poulain – bass (since 2008)
- Jake Woodruff – guitar (since 2010)
- Joe Longobardi – drums (since 2011)
Former members
- Max Barror – bass (2008)
- Gus Pesce – guitar (2008–2010), bass (2011)
- Andy Reitz – drums (2008–2011)
- Jason Maas – guitar, vocals (2008–2015)
Discography
Studio albums
- 2008: Travel
- 2011: Empty days and sleepless nights
- 2013: Letters home
- 2015 : Abandoned
- 2019 : Winner
EP
- 2009: Lost Lands
- 2012: Live on BBC Radio 1
- 2014: Live at TIHC
Singles
- 2011: Dear Father
- 2016: Still True
- 2016: Where Eagles Dare
Video filming
- 2011: Empty cup
- 2013: Bastards
- 2015: Spared in hell
- 2015: Unanswered
- 2019: Mother’s sons
Notes and links
- ↑ (in) Brian Kraus, “ 16 Modern Precursors of Melodic Hardcore “, at Alternative Press, (accessed April 27, 2015). Before Defeater, Touché Amoré, The Ghost Inside, Counterparts, Being As An Ocean and more became the new faces of melodic emotional hardcore, high school students were on the scene.
- ↑ (in) Ian Cohen, “ The Year of Post-Hardcore: Has the New Wave Peaked? “, Pitchfork, (as of April 15, 2016) , the so-called [“New Wave of Post-Hardcore”] were some of the most exciting bands; Touché Amoré, La Dispute, Defeater ,Pianos Become the Teeth, Make Do and Mend were considered major …
- ↑ (in) Jan Cohen, “ Your New Favorite Emo Bands: Topshelf Records Best Sampler of 2013″, Pitchfork , (as of April 15, 2016) Defeater is a Boston-based hardcore beast whose three albums are at the heart of a dysfunctional alcoholic family devastated by World War II. Recommended for people who find Converge and Touche Amore too carefree.
- ↑ (in) Patashnik, Ben, “ In Studio with Defeater “, Rock Sound, (accessed April 9, 2011) .
- ↑ (in) Woodburn, Peter, “ Group Interview: Defeater “, Redefine (accessed 9 April 2011) .
- ↑ (in) “ Bane, Defeater, Miles Away Tour Dates “, Ryan’s Rock Show (accessed 30 August 2011) .
- ↑ (c) “ Comeback Kid, Defeater Tower dates (Europe) “, Lambgoat (accessed 30 Aug 2011) .
- ↑ (in) “ Tours: Defeater/Carpathian (UK & Europe) “, Punknews.org (accessed 30 Aug 2011) .
- ↑ (in) “ Defeater Announce Tour with La Dispute, Native, Former Thieves “, Alternative Press (accessed 30 August 2011) .
- ↑ (in) “ Bridge Nine Records Signs Defeater “, Lambgoat, (as of May 7, 2011) .
- ↑ (in) Ben Patashnik, “ In Studio with Defeater “, Rock Sound ,
- ↑ (in) Lars Gotrich, “ First Watch: Winner, Empty Glass “, National Public Radio ,
- ↑ (at) Atreyue Ryken, “ Unlock Drop Surprise Seven Inch “, Alternative Press, (accessed January 7, 2015) .
Recommended for people who find Converge and Touche Amore too carefree.
5 scientific facts about why it is good to be a kind person – HEROINE
Kind people endear themselves to those around them, you want to be friends with them. But this character trait is useful not only for establishing social ties. Kindness has a positive impact on physical and mental health. Read about how exactly in our material.
1. Kindness increases life expectancy
Kindness prolongs life — this is the conclusion reached by American scientist Michael Pulin and his colleagues. He conducted a study in 2012 and studied the relationship between acts of kindness and the risk of early death.
It turned out that the participants in the experiment, who often provided selfless help to their loved ones, were less prone to stress and anxiety. Accordingly, their life expectancy increased.
And according to another study conducted in the US in 2016, any affiliative behavior, that is, aimed at establishing a connection with other people, is an effective strategy for reducing stress and increasing life expectancy.
Thus, both studies tell us that good-natured and sympathetic people can claim to be long-livers. Of course, taking into account the observance of other good habits.
2. Helps to be happier at work
Researchers from the American University of Wisconsin-Maddison in 2013 studied how the altruism and kindness of employees affect their work success. And they concluded that such people are less likely to leave their jobs, have stronger relationships with colleagues, and are also more interested in the success of the company and their own achievements.
The researchers also found that 30-year-olds who rated helping other employees as an important part of their job were the most satisfied with their lives in a second survey 30 years later.
3. Improves the state of anxiety and stress
There is hardly a person in the modern world who does not worry about anything at all. And there are many different ways to help yourself deal with anxiety, from meditation to going out with friends.
But British Columbia scientists add that good deeds also reduce anxiety. In 2012, they recruited people with social phobia and anxiety disorder to participate in the experiment. Participants were given a list of tasks to complete within 4 weeks. Among them were good deeds towards other people, as well as neutral activities. Each participant in the experiment kept a diary in which he tracked his mood and noted what actions he performed.
Researchers found that those who did good deeds were more likely to experience positive affect — emotions such as joy, contentment, interest, and focus. Note that usually in anxiety disorders, positive affect is rare, yielding to negative emotions and feelings.
Therefore, if you feel restless or anxious, you should try to find an opportunity to show kindness to others. And it doesn’t matter if it’s a heart-to-heart phone conversation with a friend or a smile at a stranger on the bus. Even the smallest good-natured gesture brings great benefits.
4. Good for the heart
Kindness can not only “warm” your heart, but also keep it healthy. According to Dr. David Hamilton from the USA, treating other people well can affect the body’s chemical balance.
The fact is that when a person experiences positive experiences, his body produces the hormone oxytocin. And he, in turn, contributes to the release of nitric oxide – a substance that dilates blood vessels. This leads to a reduction in blood pressure, which helps keep the heart healthy.
Also, scientists from the Center for Aging and the Life Path of Purdue University, USA, analyzed the impact of good deeds on the health of older people. They measured the amount of C-reactive protein in the body of the participants in the experiment. This indicator is used in the analysis of the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Some of the older people in the study volunteered, while others did not. It turned out that those who provided selfless help, the level of C-reactive protein in the body was significantly lower.
