Kindness Matters – Here’s How You Can Be Kind Today
Let’s talk about kindness. Specifically, let’s chat about why kindness matters.
Imagine living in a world where kindness doesn’t exist! Or, worse, a world where unkindness is the norm. How would life be?
You might not notice it, but your small acts of kindness make a big difference. All genuine acts of kindness improve people’s lives. Kindness counts!
These acts trigger positive feelings for the individual practicing kindness and the person receiving it, creating strong social bonds.
That’s why it’s crucial for you to be kind.
Kindness Matters: True or False?
It’s true! Kindness matters! Probably more than you think.
For decades, we’ve ignored the impact of kindness on our daily lives. This could be why many consider kindness optional rather than a necessity for life.
But things are now changing as more science reveals the role of kindness in how we live.
Kindness matters because it promotes our health and well-being. Research shows that being kind improves our cognitive functions and physical health. Our lifespan increases too!
Chemicals Involved in Kindness
When you perform an act of service, various hormones are released. At the biochemical level, kindness increases the production of feel-good hormones and decreases stress hormones. Let’s cover these!
Endorphins
Have you ever heard of the helper’s high? Research says this is the positive feeling you experience when you offer selfless service to someone else.
The helper’s high is a psychological state that promotes your health and increases longevity. Kind people live longer, healthier lives than unkind people.
Expressing kindness lights up the pleasure and reward centers of your brain. Endorphins are released, and you experience the helper’s high.
Similarly, the recipient’s brain also lights up. They, too, experience the joy of giving.
Endorphins also reduce pain and discomfort. They are your body’s natural painkillers.
Oxytocin
Commonly known as the love hormone, oxytocin raises your self-esteem and optimism. You become confident in your abilities and gain social and emotional skills to create meaningful connections with those around you.
Oxytocin is also called the cardioprotective hormone because it lowers blood pressure and protects heart health.
Serotonin
Serotonin helps to balance your mood and keep you calm. Low levels of serotonin are linked to depression and anxiety.
When you give or receive acts of kindness, your brain produces more serotonin. This leads to improved mental health and overall well-being.
Cortisol
Helping other people also lowers your body’s cortisol – the stress-inducing hormone. When your cortisol levels are low, it becomes easier for you to overcome stress, anxiety, and depression. You become in control of your mental well-being.
Mental health experts use acts of kindness to treat mental health conditions effectively. They ask patients to be kind to someone daily as part of their therapy.
It’s True – Kindness Does Matter
Kindness matters a lot because the release of these chemicals increases your happiness. Your outlook on life becomes more positive when these chemicals are abundant.
Being kind is an effective and straightforward way to always be happy. It’s no coincidence that some of the most generous people are among the most joyful people worldwide.
Commit to doing kind things for others frequently to enjoy its benefits. You’ll reduce stress, live a fulfilling life, and help others do the same.
Moreover, kindness is contagious. This is yet another reason why kindness matters.
The people you treat with kindness will spread kindness to others, and the cycle will continue. So choosing kindness makes the world a better place for everyone!
The Future of Kindness
Teach your kids how to be kind. Kindness is one of the key social-emotional skills that will help them grow into caring and responsible adults. It’s also a trait that will help them succeed in life.
Need help teaching kindness? Try sharing a fable with them, like “The Lion and the Mouse,” to start a conversation about why kindness matters. This brief inspiring story illustrates how even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference.
You can also use current events, such as stories about people helping others in the aftermath of a natural disaster, to spark a discussion.
Help your kids understand that being kind doesn’t always mean doing something grandiose or expensive. Frequently, it’s the little things that matter most.
Lead by example and show them that you practice what you preach in real life. When they see you being kind to others, it will inspire them to do the same.
Encourage them to perform random acts of kindness and do them together as a family. For instance, you can bake cookies for your elderly neighbor or volunteer at a local organization.
Help make kindness a part of your family culture, and your children will grow up to become kind and caring individuals.
Some Ways You Can Be Kind Today
Be kind wherever you are – at home, work, or online. Remember that every act of kindness matters as you review our list to get ideas.
At Home
- Regularly check on your family and friends to make them feel cared for and loved.
- Write a thank you note and send it to a friend. It’ll make them smile.
- Surprise your partner with flowers.
- Embrace your loved ones often.
- Get on the phone with an old friend and catch up. You can also send a thinking of you gift!
- Compliment your loved ones and let them know how much you appreciate them.
- Do your share of house chores on time and without being asked.
- Teach your kids how to be kind, and let them learn from your generous actions.
- Encourage kids to get involved in their communities.
In the Office
- Share your ideas openly and be a good team player.
- Listen to your colleagues attentively.
- Be encouraging and give positive feedback often.
- Offer your support and help to new colleagues.
- Say hi to your colleagues daily and have a non-work conversation.
- Be friendly to everyone, including support staff.
- Thank your boss and other superiors when they help you.
- Make or bring coffee for your team.
- Recognize birthdays and other special occasions.
Online
- Think carefully about everything you write before posting to ensure you only spread kindness.
- Use encouraging language when you comment on other people’s posts.
- Acknowledge other people’s stories – if your friends are struggling, talk to them offline to see how you can help.
- Write positive reviews for local businesses that you like.
In Your Community
- Treat every person with respect.
- Use the words “thank you,” “sorry,” and “please” often.
- Pay attention to your tone when having a conversation with your friend.
- Say hello to your neighbors.
- Hold open doors for people.
- Smile and make eye contact with the people you pass on the street.
- Offer your seat to someone on the bus or train.
- Give up your spot in line to someone who looks like they need it more than you.
- Say yes to donating money at the register.
- Pick up litter when you’re outside in nature.
- Give blood.
- Donate to charities in different communities.
- Volunteer for a good cause – it makes a difference.
Final Thoughts
Kindness starts in your mind. Frequently remind yourself of its importance and ask yourself how you can be kinder to others.
Kindness is free, simple, and the most powerful force in the universe. Spread kindness to create more positivity in the world. The kinder you are, the better life gets for you and everyone around you.
Start today – be kind to yourself and others, and make kindness a daily habit! Be the reason someone smiles today and every day. Let kindness be your superpower, and watch how the world around you changes for the better.
The Do Happy App promotes kindness, mindfulness, and happiness. If you want to be part of a community of kind, mindful people working on being happier every day, download the Do Happy App today!
