Practicing Kindness

Have you heard of the saying "A little bit of kindness goes a long way"? It's more than just an expression—it's actually true! Science proves that performing acts of kindness is beneficial for all of the people involved.

When you do a good deed (or someone does something nice for you), your body releases "feel good" hormones like serotonin and oxytocin. Essentially, being involved in a good deed is good for you! It reduces anxiety, makes you feel calmer, and increases happiness too.

We know that we should be kind to everyone, but sometimes we forget to treat others with compassion when things get hectic. Yet we all want a friendlier and kinder world. Why not do your part to be kindhearted towards others? Try performing one random act of kindness each day. It can be something big or small—whatever you choose. Are you ready to take this challenge?

Here are some suggestions to get you started:

• Be kind to strangers –
  By surprising someone and being nice to them, you can turn his or her entire day around. Hold the door open for the person behind you, share a snack with a co-worker who forgot lunch, let someone go ahead of you in line, or smile at someone who looks like they’re having a bad day.

• Be generous –
  Everyone goes through tough financial times at some point in their lives. If you are able to, be generous financially. You don’t have to empty your entire wallet—instead, give a generous tip to your waiter when you go out to eat. Buy treats for the office on a Friday. Leave a dollar bill, a five dollar bill, or even a twenty dollar bill behind in a public space for someone to find.

• Be friendly –
  It doesn’t take much to be friendly, yet friendliness is sometimes hard to find. Get to know someone new at school or at work. Call a friend that you haven’t talked to in a while. Spend time with an elderly relative who could use the company. Just having a lighthearted conversation or taking the time to talk shows someone that you care.

• Volunteer –
  There are many charities and organizations that could use extra support. Why not volunteer for a cause that you care about? You could help your school’s PTA with an event, help out at a charity run, or volunteer at your local animal shelter. Giving your time to a good cause will be much appreciated—and you’ll feel good about it too.
  

Even the smallest act of kindness makes a big difference. You can instantly brighten someone's day, just by saying something nice or helping out with a small task. It's super beneficial to be kind, both for the person you're helping and for you! Doing a good deed can really make you feel better.

Starting today, let's all try to be nicer to one another. Let’s create a kinder, friendlier, more goodhearted world. What will your act of kindness be?