Scientific evidence has proven the power of kindness to change the brain, impact the heart and immune system, and even be an antidote to depression. We're actually genetically wired to be kind. In this book, inspirational ex-scientist David Hamilton shows that the effects of kindness are felt daily throughout our nervous systems. When we're kind, our bodies are healthiest. In his down-to-earth and accessible style, David shares how: • Kindness makes us happier • Kindness improves relationships • Kindness is good for the heart • Kindness slows ageing • Kindness is contagious There’s a chapter dedicated to each of these side effects in turn, in which you’ll learn about how and why it happens, the science that proves it, how it plays out in our lives and how it affects children, adults and older people. Along the way, there are also a few stories of acts of kindness performed by ordinary people and 50 suggestions for acts of kindness you can do yourself.Reading these stories will nourish your soul and leave you with renewed optimism for the future. The Five Side-effects of Kindness will help you see the many ways in which giving your time, energy and love to another could transform your health – and your whole world.