A Small Act of Kindness

Not in a million years, I thought we would have a lockdown of our country. I thought that even a zombie apocalypse would be more likely. This pandemic has created or enhanced psychosocial problems.

Kindness, on the other hand, has a positive benefit on your mental health. Kindness can be an antidote to isolation.

In my mind, the formula is quite simple. Help yourself by helping others. This also applies to yourself. Give yourself some kindness! It’s not impossible, either. Small things really do make a difference. If you need more inspiration, check out this article about small ways to be kind.

Sometimes, I just call someone else, especially someone who might be lonely or having a hard time dealing with the pandemic. I’ve called all of my co-workers, for example. If I don’t have a ton of time, I will send a text message or an email. This is great for multiple reasons — I’m doing an act of kindness, but I’m also reaching out and curing some of my own isolation.

Be good to yourself in these times. Be good to others.

Let me know: what do you do to be kind to yourself and others? Let’s flood the internet with wonderfulness.

Here’s another: Giving away free eye exams. Because seeing is believing.

Happenings

Girl in Trouble by Stacy Claflin has been on my to-do reading list for a while now, and it’s free on the Kindle. Speaking of reading to-do lists, Mistaken Identity by Lisa Scottoline is on mine. Scottoline is hailed the female “John Grisham” (even though I hate, hate, hate these type of women comparisons to men). I’ve read a few of her other Rosati books before, and I liked them.

The House of the Witch on Netflix. Because I’m still not over Halloween. As if anyone could be over Halloween. Hello.

Eat more avocadoes. I’m convinced that they are secret sauce to being a centurion. And that’s the ultimate kindness, your bad-ass self around for 100 years.

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The Science of Kindness: How Random Acts of Kindness Benefit Your Health and Well-being

Kindness is a simple yet powerful act that has the ability to transform our lives and the lives of those around us. While we often associate kindness with being a good person, it turns out that there’s more to it than just that.

Research has shown that practicing random acts of kindness can have a profound impact on our overall health and well-being. From reducing stress and anxiety to boosting our immune systems, the benefits of kindness are numerous and far-reaching.

The Benefits of Kindness on Physical Health

In addition to boosting our mood, practicing random acts of kindness can also have a positive impact on our physical health. Studies have shown that people who engage in acts of kindness have lower levels of stress and inflammation, which are two key factors in many chronic diseases.

Additionally, acts of kindness have been shown to boost our immune systems. This is because when we perform acts of kindness, our bodies release the hormone oxytocin, which has been linked to increased immune function.

The Benefits of Kindness on Mental Health

Perhaps the most well-known benefit of kindness is its positive impact on our mental health. Studies have shown that practicing kindness can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve our self-esteem, and increase feelings of happiness and life satisfaction.

This is because when we perform acts of kindness, our brains release endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood boosters. These endorphins can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, and promote feelings of joy and happiness.

The Benefits of Kindness on Social Health

In addition to its impact on our physical and mental health, kindness can also have a positive impact on our social health. When we practice kindness, we are more likely to form meaningful connections with others, which can lead to increased feelings of belonging and social support.

Additionally, acts of kindness can help to break down barriers and promote understanding between people of different backgrounds and cultures. This can lead to increased empathy and compassion, which are important qualities for building strong, resilient communities.

How to Practice Random Acts of Kindness

Practicing random acts of kindness doesn’t have to be difficult, time-consuming, or expesnive. In fact, some of the most impactful acts of kindness are the simplest ones. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Smile at a stranger
• Hold the door open for someone
• Compliment a coworker
• How about just saying please and thank you?
• Buy a coffee for the person in line behind you
• Donate to a local charity
• Write a thank-you note to someone who has made a difference in your life
• Volunteer an hour or two at a worthy cause
• Offer to help a neighbor with a task or chore

The Ripple Effect of Kindness

“The Butterfly Effect” … one tiny butterfly flutter can cause entire slew of changes.

When we perform an act of kindness, it not only impacts the person receiving the kindness but also those who witness it.

The Importance of Self-Kindness

While it’s important to practice kindness towards others, it’s equally important to practice self-kindness. This means treating ourselves with the same compassion and care that we would offer to others.

The Science of Kindness in the Workplace

Kindness isn’t just important in our personal lives; it’s also important in the workplace. When we create a culture of kindness and generosity in our workplaces, we can improve employee morale, reduce turnover, and increase productivity.

• Smile
• A gratitude board
• Encourage employee to write thank-you notes
• Managers can model kindness
• Prioritize self-care and well-being
• Change the culture by prioritizing this quality during interviews