Practicing Kindness Even on the Toughest Days
We all have tough days when our patience runs thin, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the circumstances of life.
Yet navigating these difficult moments with kindness and understanding is a challenge worth taking on.
Kindness counts and is always worth it! Not only does it foster connection, but it’s also essential for leading a fulfilling life full of happiness and a greater sense of well-being.
We’ve compiled our top 8 tips for those wanting to be kind to others, even when they don’t feel like it. Read on!
Practicing Kindness Isn’t Always Easy
Practicing kindness when you’re having a bad day can be challenging. However, it doesn’t need to be a mammoth effort.
We all want a kinder and more caring world, but we must do our part to make it that way. You might have heard the saying, “A little kindness goes a long way.”
It’s true! Even a small, random act of kindness can make a big difference.
In fact, researchers at Stanford University found that kindness is contagious.
If you’re feeling down, practicing kindness is a great idea. It can have a significant positive effect on your mental and physical health. Practice kindness every day, and you’ll soon feel the difference it makes.
Try to choose kindness, even when it isn’t easy. Doing so can boost your mood, reduce anxiety and stress, reduce blood pressure, and more.
8 Tips for Practicing Kindness When It Feels Hard
Practicing kindness when it feels hard might be challenging, but it isn’t impossible. It’s a free tool you can use to help others; in return, you’ll feel better too!
We’ve compiled a list of 8 tips for keeping kind even when you don’t feel up to it.
1. Smile
Smiling is a simple act that can improve your mood and brighten the day of those around you.
It also has fantastic benefits! It can lower your blood pressure and boost your immune system. It can even reduce stress, anxiety, and pain.
As humans, we’re great at mimicking facial expressions! As this study shows, smiling is contagious.
So why not be the reason someone smiles today? You’ll quickly feel kinder, lighter, and happier, and so will the people you smile at!
2. Manage Your Manners
Manners are a valuable asset! We use them to show respect toward others and to create a kinder world. People tend to forget them when they’re feeling down or upset.
You’ve probably been taught manners since childhood. Try to tap into those lessons again. Just a little effort goes a long way!
Manners are little acts of kindness that tell others we appreciate and value them. They are little gifts that let others know we aren’t above them.
So be polite and respectful no matter how you’re feeling. Bonus points if you use your manners alongside a genuine smile! It’ll make someone’s day!
When you treat people with kindness and respect, it often leads to reciprocity. You’ll find that by being polite and exhibiting good manners, others respond in kind. Suddenly, your day is filled with positive vibes, and you feel better.
3. Chat With Someone and Listen Intently
We can build up our kindness “muscles” by regularly seeking opportunities to have conversations with people, actively listening to them, and responding with compassion.
You don’t need to wait for a friend or family member in need to reach out to you – sometimes, the most impactful thing you can do is reach out to them. Set up a lunch or coffee date with your friends or family and spend time talking about life.
Let your loved ones know you’re interested in hearing about their thoughts and experiences without judgment. You may be surprised at how good it feels to show kindness this way and how much it can brighten somebody’s day.
Talking with others can also help you feel better and happier about the world. When you feel better, you can give more to those around you. You’ll soon feel ready to take on your next challenge!
4. Read Good News Stories
Human beings tend to focus on the negative. We hear about bad news more often than good news. Counter this by reading up on the positive things happening in the world!
Many websites compile inspiring stories, personal tales of kindness, and uplifting events. Take some time out of your day to indulge in these stories and feel inspired by them. It’s an excellent remedy for when you’re feeling down.
Reading good news can help put things into perspective – we realize that even though tough times are inevitable, there is still so much beauty and joy in life, and good people are everywhere doing good things. These stories will build your reserves of hope and positivity – enough to help you keep going no matter what life throws at you!
Instead of sharing bad news, share your favorite good news stories with your family, friends, and colleagues. It’s a kindness that will uplift their day and inspire them to do the same for others.
5. Volunteer
Spread kindness by volunteering at your favorite charity. It will make you feel good and spread happiness to those in need. Being around other people will also help you to find a positive mindset, even if you don’t realize it at first!
Volunteering can help you feel less alone, less stressed, and happier. It can connect you to a community of like-minded individuals who care about the same things that you do. And if you volunteer regularly, you might even find yourself making new friends!
6. Perform Small, Random Acts of Kindness
Why not perform a random act of kindness today? It’s sure to make someone smile.
You might be angry or sad. Someone else might be as well! If you can, consider pulling off a few random acts of kindness.
Generosity doesn’t need to be heavy on your wallet. The little things count a lot. Here are some ideas:
- Put a coin in an expired parking meter for a stranger.
- Donate clothes that you haven’t worn in ages.
- Help an elderly person cross the street.
- Give your chair to a stranger who needs it.
- Tip the waiter at your favorite coffee shop a little more.
- Hold the door open for someone.
- Volunteer to serve a meal at a homeless shelter.
There are so many ways to be kind to others. The possibilities are endless! Be creative.
7. Apologize
Be careful not to make a habit of letting off steam on an innocent person! If you find that your emotions are getting the better of you, apologize for your actions. Explain that you’re feeling off. We’re all human, and we all make mistakes.
Simply saying, “I’m sorry. I’m just having a bad day,” can make all the difference. Everyone has bad days. There’s a good chance that the person will understand.
As humans, we’re capable of empathizing with others. Apologizing for your anger or stress shows that you understand how your words and actions can affect others and that you care about their well-being.
It’s a kind act that doesn’t cost you anything but can mean the world to someone else. If you’re on the receiving end of an apology, accept it graciously.
Holding a grudge can damage your mental and physical health, so letting go of negativity is also important. Forgiveness is an act of kindness that can benefit you and the person who wronged you.
8. Show Self-Compassion
Remember to be kind to yourself too!
We often have a habit of being our own worst critics. Negative self-talk can hurt our self-esteem and wreak havoc on our mental health. The best way to combat this is with self-compassion.
Treat yourself the same way you would treat a loved one. Compliment yourself for everything you’ve achieved, forgive your mistakes, and take breaks when needed. You are deserving of love and kindness too!
The more self-compassionate you are, the easier it will be for you to show empathy and kindness towards others.
Final Thoughts
We understand that showing kindness when you’re down can feel challenging. The good news is that it’s possible and gets easier with practice!
Treating someone unkindly will ultimately make you feel worse than you did before. A genuine smile, with a dash of kindness, is all you need to start brightening up your day and the days of those around you.
You deserve to be happy, and kindness is one of the easiest and best ways to boost your mood! Following these tips will help you to succeed in lifting your spirits and relationships with others.
Are you looking for more ways to spread kindness and positivity in your life? The a little dose of happy blog has a wealth of information to help you on your journey.
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