About the Great Kindness Challenge
Interview with Asia: Insights and Stories
The Great Kindness Challenge: Be Kind to Be Healthy
Discover the health and wellness benefits of kindness in our interview with Asia Moore, Program Director at Kids for Peace. Get inspired to join The Great Kindness Challenge!
When we think about kindness, we don’t usually connect it to science. But did you know that kindness can deliver powerful benefits that directly impact your health? Studies show that acts of kindness not only brighten someone else’s day but also reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and support longevity.
Jazzercise is proud to partner with Kids for Peace for The Great Kindness Challenge of 2025! We’re kicking off the challenge by interviewing Asia Moore, program director for Kids for Peace, about how The Great Kindness Challenge began and the impressive health benefits of being kind.
Grassroots Initiative to Global Movement
What is The Great Kindness Challenge, and how did it start? The Great Kindness Challenge was created by Kids for Peace as a grassroots initiative to promote kindness in schools. Starting with three local schools in Southern California, it has blossomed into a global movement involving millions of students in more than 41,000 schools across 115 countries.
“The impact is both measurable and profound, encouraging a culture shift where kindness becomes an everyday practice,” Moore says.
This year, Jazzercise has partnered with Kids for Peace to host the challenge, Kindness Moves. Moore continues, “The partnership between Jazzercise and The Great Kindness Challenge shows how shared values of positivity and community care can drive meaningful change. Jazzercise, known for empowering individuals through movement and community spirit, aligns perfectly with The Great Kindness Challenge’s commitment to creating a more connected, compassionate world.”
Science of Kindness: The Overlooked Effects
That feel-good sensation you get after an act of kindness isn’t just in your head—those are real hormones flooding your system. Many scientific facts about kindness would surprise people, and Moore emphasizes this.
“We wish more people understood how powerful kindness is—not just for our hearts, but for our health, too! Acts of kindness spark the release of hormones like oxytocin, reduce stress, and create a sense of calm and joy. Kindness also decreases stress hormones, helping to strengthen your heart, boost your immune system, and even increase your lifespan.”
With stress and anxiety at all-time highs, kindness seems like a powerful remedy to combat these universal challenges.
She continues, “It’s amazing how simple acts, like sharing a smile, lending a hand, or giving a compliment, can bring so much happiness to our bodies. When we choose kindness, we’re not just spreading care and resources to others—we’re creating a healthier, happier world for ourselves, too.”
The Physical Benefits of Kindness
Kindness has a profound impact on your body, especially in reducing stress and promoting overall well-being.
- How Kindness Lowers Stress: Studies show that performing acts of kindness triggers the release of oxytocin, sometimes called the “love hormone.” Oxytocin helps lower blood pressure and reduce levels of cortisol, the hormone associated with stress.
- Boosts Heart Health: By reducing stress and inflammation, kindness indirectly supports heart health. Oxytocin also contributes to the dilation of blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Strengthens Immunity: A positive emotional state can bolster your immune system. Researchers have found that individuals who practice kindness and compassion experience lower levels of inflammation and increased activity in genes associated with antiviral responses.
The Emotional Benefits of Kindness
Beyond the physical perks, kindness offers transformative emotional and cognitive benefits.
- How Kindness Enhances Mood: Performing kind acts releases dopamine, the brain’s feel-good chemical, making you feel more energized and uplifted.
- Boosts Confidence: Acts of kindness create positive interactions and build meaningful connections, improving self-esteem and confidence.
- Reduces Anxiety: Kindness decreases social anxiety by fostering a sense of belonging and reducing self-focus.
Why Kindness Matters Now More Than Ever
In a fast-paced, often stressful world, kindness acts as a grounding force. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, offering a genuine compliment, or smiling at a stranger, small acts of kindness can transform our communities.
Kindness fosters stronger relationships and builds trust, combating loneliness and promoting a sense of belonging. Studies show that loneliness and social isolation can increase the risk of premature death by 26%.
“Participating in activities such as clean-up efforts, food drives, and volunteer projects not only cultivates a sense of accomplishment but also shifts our focus from personal worries to collective impact,” Moore says.
5 Ways to Be Kind In Your Daily Life
Kindness is a grounding force in a fast-paced, often stressful world. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, offering a genuine compliment, or simply smiling at a stranger, small acts of kindness create ripples of positivity that can transform communities.
Being kind doesn’t require grand gestures. Here are some simple ways to spread kindness:
- Send a Text: Reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while and tell them you’re thinking of them.
- Compliment a Stranger: A genuine compliment can brighten someone’s day.
- Volunteer: Dedicate some time to a local charity or community project.
- Practice Self-Kindness: Don’t forget to be kind to yourself! Treat yourself to a Jazzercise class or a mindful moment.
- Pay it Forward: Buy a coffee for the person behind you in line.
Join The Great Kindness Challenge
The Great Kindness Challenge empowers students to create a culture of kindness, but the best part is that anyone can participate!
“We’ve seen countless inspiring stories that demonstrate the incredible impact of kindness on health and wellness. When we asked students about the impact of kindness on their lives, the results were incredibly encouraging:
- 87% of students reported feeling happier when being kind.
- 75% of students said they are more aware that kindness makes people feel better about themselves.
- 72% of students shared that after participating in The Great Kindness Challenge, they are more aware of the link between kindness and their own well-being.”
What makes Jazzercise different than other workouts is the value placed on making people feel like they belong. Gyms and boutique classes can make you feel self-conscious or isolated. The benefits of being kind align perfectly with our mission to create a supportive, inclusive community both on and off the dance floor.
Will you rise to the challenge this week? Download our Great Kindness Challenge checklist HERE to start making the world a kinder place!
Be Kind to Your Body and Mind at Jazzercise
The benefits of kindness extend far beyond what we can see. From lowering cortisol to promoting positive thinking, kindness has the power to transform lives—including yours.
Lace up your sneakers and head to your next Jazzercise class! Share a smile or word of encouragement with your neighbor—you’ll spread joy and improve your health in the process. Together, we can create a kinder world.
Do something kind your future self will thank you for! Find a Jazzercise studio to see why people call it their “forever favorite” workout.
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