Acts of Kindness: An Art of Living
As the world heals from this past year’s traumas, we could all use a little positivity. While you may struggle with where to start on your journey towards a more loving, peaceful, and happy life, I am hereby prescribing you a supply of kindness to take once a day and increase with use. Here’s why:
The Science
According to Psychology, random acts of kindness improve your overall health and well-being. The expression “giving is receiving” applies to this advice as well. Scientific evidence shows that random acts of kindness are contagious, as they increase positive emotions, improve mood, decrease stress hormones, and boost self-esteem.
The Why
Kindness is a natural antidote for our society’s current divisiveness. Cultivating a culture of compassion can help combat the negative effects that COVID-19 has posed on our communities. With higher rates of depression, rising levels of loneliness, and the anxieties of isolation, choosing to be kind during these times may fulfill our social and emotional shortages.
Here, we have an opportunity to reactivate an instinctual desire to be kind, and instill a type of “helper’s high.” Our communities, interpersonal relationships, and self-identities can benefit greatly from at least one random act of kindness a day. And the best part: it’s free! Kindness doesn't cost a thing. Try it risk-free, as sharing a little empathy never hurts.
It is important that we continue to consider the power of kindness. Radical transformation can be achieved through random acts of kindness even in the simplest ways. Seemingly insignificant moments may impact a stranger’s day and forward this way of interacting with others.
The How
So, how can you embrace kindness in your everyday life? Here are some simple ways to exercise kindness:
Communicate gratitude to family members
Send a motivational text to a friend (even a good morning!)
Open more dialogues with, “Hello! How are you?”
Learn something new about a classmate or coworker
Bring flowers to your workplace
Write a positive comment on social media
Give a genuine compliment to your boss, colleague, etc (via text, video, in person, any outlet!)
Leave thank you notes for your mail carrier
Be spontaneous!
Feel free to get creative and share novel ways to connect and appreciate each other.
Conclusion
The objective is to transform your life and others’ lives with these random, seemingly small acts of kindness. Let’s not let acts of kindness become surprising, let’s make them the new norm!
Follow these Instagram accounts for daily inspiration: