Love that dress, girl! Why giving compliments is one of the best things you can do for your brain

“Hey, you are looking good today.”

“That dress looks amazing on you, girl.”

Sounds like simple words, don’t they? But they have the power to make someone’s day. A compliment, no matter how small, can have a big impact. They do not just brighten the day of the person receiving it, they also make the person giving compliments feel good. That warm, positive feeling indeed goes both ways.

However, a lot of kind words go unsaid due to underestimation of their power. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, few people say compliments out loud and innumerable kind thoughts remain unspoken, even though sharing them takes very little effort.

But one must remember that compliments are more than just polite words; they play an important role in positively influencing the mental wellbeing of both the giver and the receiver. When a compliment is exchanged, the brain activates an important region involved in reward processing called the striatum. This creates a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction, fulfilling our need to be seen, valued and accepted.

Experts like Dr. Hauser and Danielle highlight the importance of the vagus nerve in one’s overall wellbeing and kind acts like giving compliments or showing compassion tend to improve one’s vagal tone. A healthy vagal tone helps the body manage stress better, supports heart and digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. In simple terms, offering compliments does more than just spread kindness. Each time someone lifts another person up with a few thoughtful words, the brain and the body benefit.

So, let’s explore how giving compliments can be great for both the giver and receiver.

Move from negativity to positivity

A lot of us worry about things that have happened in the past or about the things that could happen in the future. We rarely focus on the present. Further, our brain tends to  focus on the problems and worries instead of being happy about what is going well in our lives. This is why giving or receiving compliments gently shifts our attention away from the negativity towards something positive. Noticing good qualities in others trains the mind to look for what’s working well rather than what is lacking. This shift can calm an overthinking mind and create a balanced mental state.

Research supports this effect as well. In a recent study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin by Cornell’s social psychologist Vanessa Bohns, it has been found that people who give compliments feel better than expected, while those receiving them feel even happier and more appreciated. The study also showed that compliment givers often underestimate the positive emotional impact of their own words. The findings of the study highlight how simple acts of kindness like giving compliment can be a mood lifter and social connector.

Build gratitude and appreciation

Most people tend to naturally focus on what is missing, what they do not have or what could be better. However, this kind of thinking reduces life satisfaction and joy in every aspect. Compliments can help shift this mindset by encouraging attention towards what is already good.

It is interesting to note that compliments come from noticing effort, kindness, talent and even small details like one’s personal style. When someone acknowledges these positives, the brain moves to gratitude. And if practised regularly, this habit can change how we see situations and people. It has the potential to make our mind feel more content often.

Further, research by psychologists Eileen Russell and Diana Fosha highlights gratitude as a force of growth and healing. Their work shows that gratitude supports wellbeing and helps heal emotional pain, thus  making regular appreciation an important part of one’s mental and emotional health.

Boost happiness, inner contentment

Giving compliments activates the reward centre of the brain and that creates a feel-good response in both the giver and receiver. These positive brain reinforcements can lift mood, increase emotional warmth and make everyday interaction feel much more meaningful.

As American author Felice Leonardo Buscaglia states, “Too often, we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” These lines show us how meaningful change doesn’t always come from big actions but from small acts of compassion. In fact, giving a compliment can make all the difference one is seeking sometimes.

Handle stress better

Interestingly, there’s more advantages to being kind than aloof. Kind actions like giving compliments to someone supports the nervous system and helps the body relax. Positive social moments signal safety to the brain and that makes it easier to manage stress.

When stress levels are lower, one’s overall health improves. Heart health, digestion and energy see a boost in the long run. Studies too have shown that giving compliments can reduce stress and improve one’s self-esteem. In fact, it tends to work like a quick natural reset for the brain, offering mental calm and physical wellbeing from the moment its put in action.

Spread the kindness

A compliment rarely stops with just one person. It often creates a ripple effect. It inspires kindness to continue. The person receiving a compliment may start to feel more confident, happier and motivated, and they may pass this on to others. As speaker and author Steve Maraboli says, “I will sprinkle compliments and uplifting words everywhere I go. I will do this knowing that my words are like seeds and when they fall on fertile soil, a reflection of those seeds will grow into something greater.”

Indeed, small acts of kindness can help build more supportive and positive environments for everyone, enhancing an entire community’s emotional wellbeing, steadily and surely.

So, it may seem like giving compliments is an insignificant or frivolous thing to do, but its  impact runs deep. With just a few genuine words, we can shift towards a positive and calmer mindset in life. Additionally, compliment giving is good for the brain; it activates the reward centre, the feel-good chemicals in the body and strengthens social connections. Clearly,  sharing compliments is one of the easiest ways to boost one’s mental and emotional health.