During World Kindness Day people around the world are encouraged to be kind to those around, nature, and the world in general. It is acts of kindness that allow us to think of others and other things, not just ourselves. We as human beings have the power to turn the world into the kind of place we want, and create positive impacts to it. Of course, we aren’t superheroes and can’t wave a magic wand for things to become different - one step at a time and one kind act at a time can start getting you there.
We know all the great benefits of being kind to others, and how kindness can change someone’s life, especially if they are going through a hard time… but did you know that showing gestures of kindness can impact our psychological wellbeing just as much. According to positive psychology principles, people who exhibit random acts of kindness are happier themselves and appear to have a more positive overall wellbeing. Why is this? It is believed that choosing to do things to benefit others will generally activate pleasure centres in the brain. For example, buying your friend lunch or giving someone a surprise gift can spark these pleasure centres in the brain. This is related to the release of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter released in response to pleasurable activities that can include things such as sex, eating, or monetary rewards. In general, altruistic acts, which are seen as selfless and for the wellbeing of others without expecting anything in return, are shown to increase our wellbeing. Such acts can also include visiting a sick friend, donating money to an animal rescue, cooking for someone, donating blood, or helping a colleague or neighbour with something. Also, purposefully engaging in different acts of kindness will not only improve your wellbeing, but it will allow you to have more compassion for others and gratitude for your own circumstances. So, basically, this is a win win situation - you give a little and you get it back!
We have listed some possible ways you can include a little kindness into your day:
Make time: Making time for others and listening attentively to them will let them know that you are there for them and can really help with forming connections as well as providing support
Compliment: Give someone a compliment and make them feel good about themselves. It can be most effective when it’s with someone you wouldn’t usually compliment, like a neighbour or colleague
Donate: Donate to a charity you believe in, for example, an animal charity or homeless people, whatever it may be. Or donating blood is also something that can feel accomplishing
Buy or gift: Buy a friend, colleague, family member, or someone you know a coffee (or if they prefer, a tea). Or any form of a small gift, like a book or candle, or something you saw them having an eye on for a while. This doesn’t have to be a big gesture, but it shows your generosity and thoughtfulness
Smile: Smiling at someone you don’t know or wouldn’t usually smile at (not in a creepy way), is a good way to also show connection and a kind side to you, and can make someones day nicer
Give way: Allowing someone to go in front of you in a shore line when you can see they are in a hurry or with an irritated child, or allowing someone into your lane while driving
Always say thank you and please: Besides this being manners taught to us as children, we often can forget to do this on a daily basis, especially when we get too busy
Of course, there are many more other ways to show kindness, and everyone does this in different ways. Whatever it may be, just remember that as much as the other person is getting out of it - so are you.
Our team at Melbourne Wellbeing Group thrives on promoting the mental health and wellbeing of people of all ages. If you or someone you know are having some struggles, give us a call to make an appointment with one of our team of Psychologists