Daily Kindness

If we all do one random act of kindness daily, we just might set the world in the right direction. – Martin Kornfeld

 

                  Kindness. Such a simple thing. Despite its simplicity kindness is often absent in our world. We all need kindness. One simple act of kindness has the power to make changes. When we are kind to someone, we lift them up. We make them feel better. When we are kind, we also give ourselves a boost. 

                  Kindness is defined as “the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.” It does not take much to be kind. Offering a word of appreciation or holding a door open are simple things we can do daily to be kind. Kindness is contagious. Let’s say someone holds a door open for you. It is likely that at the next door you will hold it open for someone else. Kindness is contagious. 

                  Why am I writing about kindness on a mental health blog? The answer is simple. Kindness has a positive effect on mental health. Kindness increases mood-enhancing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. When you perform acts of kindness these neurotransmitters affect feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. This leads to increased happiness and wellness. Kindness also releases oxytocin, which reduces stress and builds social connections. Being kind decreases cortisol levels, which leads to a reduction in stress. The endorphins released when we engage in acts of kindness create what can be referred to as a “helpers high”. This is a natural pain killer and mood elevator. So, there is science behind being kind.

                  Being kind also strengthens social connections. It builds positive relationships, which can help fight feelings of isolation and loneliness. These feelings are often a part of mental illnesses. Any boost in feelings of social connection can lift mood and maybe bring a smile to the face of someone living with mental illness. As mood is lifted and social connection is increased, a person is likely to become more resilient. The more resilient we are, the more able we are to deal with difficult times. A little kindness can go a long way in helping a person with mental illness. 

When we are being kind our perspective shifts. We move away from a focus on our own problems and worries to being aware of the needs and situations of others. When we focus on being kind our outlook on life improves. A simple act of kindness can provide us with a way to recognize the positives around us.

                  The effects of kindness also occur when someone is kind to us. We experience a boost in mood when someone does a kind act or says a kind word to us. We feel noticed. We recognize that we are being acknowledged. That gives us a boost in mood. Sometimes that one act of kindness can make a difference. We feel acknowledged and recognized.

                  Let’s think about someone with a mental illness, or really anyone, who is having a rough time. Maybe they are in a public space trying to take care of errands while they are feeling down. They are struggling to get things accomplished. You say good morning to them and maybe compliment something they are wearing. That may be the only positive interaction they have that day. It could give them a positive feeling about themselves. It may give them a sense of connection. It did not take much on your part to be kind in that instance. 

                  Being kind can be demonstrated in other ways. We can send someone a card or leave a note with words of kindness. Have you ever received a card? My guess is yes. How did it make you feel? Did it make you smile? Giving a card is a simple way of being a kind. Another way might be to give a small token of appreciation. A gift can let someone know they are cared about. It does not have to be expensive. You can even make it. A batch of homemade cookies can show someone you care about them. 

                  The mental health benefits of being kind are important. Being kind can lift a person’s mood, whether they are the one being kind or are the recipient of kindness. If we each did one act of kindness a day, we can spread kindness through the world. Kindness is contagious. If someone is kind to you, you are likely to be kind to someone else. I think our world needs more kindness right now. I will stay away from being political here, but our country sure could use more kindness right now. Perhaps if we each take the time to be kind, we can help our country be a kinder place to live. 

                  On a side note, as I was writing this post, I learned that Thursday was World Kindness Day. Maybe that is why I saw the above quote on social media. Thanks to BC Mental Health Awareness Project for sharing this quote. World Kindness Day is a perfect time to start being kind. My challenge to all of us is to go out and do something kind today.