The Power of Kindness

Kindness is a special gift that each of us has within us. It is often an gift we take for granted; we do not intentionally nor actively try to apply it in our daily lives. Yet, we have all experienced the power of kindness and know that simple acts can lift another person's spirit including our own. It is a choice you can make daily to improve your own life as well as another person's.

Kindness is contagious; your act of kindness, small or big, can trigger a dominoe effect of positive events as you inspire others. I know it sounds idealistic but I believe one of the fundamental principles of being human is that we care; for ourselves and others. As humans we have a tendency to focus on the negative, whilst this has its function in protecting us from danger, it also evokes more negative emotions including anxiety, depression, anger, stress and shame. Overtime if unchecked, this exposure to negative events and news on an ongoing basis, filter our reality and make us believe that our world is more negative than positive, we feel hopeless and helpless.

Yes - Greed, terror, injustic and violence exist along with other atrocities occuring on a daily basis BUT there are also moments of grace, compassion, kindness, altruism, hope and love that occur just as frequently. You can choose what to focus your attention and energy towards. You can combat it through kindness, and this can spread from community to community.

So why not try to be more conscious of your daily routine and ask yourself; is there a way I can cultivate more kindness?

Acts of kindness can be big or small, it is the intention that matters. It doesn't need to be monetary nor does it require much of your time or effort. It can be for the people in your life or for strangers in need of help. Here's a few idea to get you started:

• Smilling at someone

• Holding a door for a stranger

• Volunteering

• Giving a compliment

• Offering someone a pen

• Thanking someone with or without a gift

• Tutoring

• Buying someone lunch

• Donating money to a charitable cause

• Taking time to listen to someone

• Giving someone advice based on your expertise/knowledge/experience

• Helping stray animals find a home

• Collecting litter from the streets and recycling

• Offering someone a ride home

• Doing a favour without asking for anything in return

Also, while kindness should ideally be done without any expectation, I've listed a few benefits below to hopefully inspire and motivate you to START TODAY.

• Prosocial behaviors (such as kindness) increase happiness and self-esteem

• Being kind improves how others see and accept you

• Neural networks related to reward fire when we’re kind, and when we see others experience kindness

• Kindness can lower the effects of stress

• Relieves anxiety and symptoms of depression

• A mood booster (release feel good chemicals)

• It inspires more kindness

• Kindness leads to reductions in risks for disease (e.g. reduce risk of heart diesease, improves immune system)

• Creates a sense of belonging and reduces isolation

• Lowers blood pressure

• Increases energy

• Relieves pain

Disclaimer: The following information is not a suitable replacement for therapy or professional help. Mental health is very complex and there are various individual differences due to circumstances, genetics and life experience. All information published has been generalised and done in good faith. However, we will not be liable for any actions taken as a result of this website/post. If you are facing mental health concerns, it is important you reach out to a professional. You may also contact us at tashya1@gmail.com for further support.