I still remember the first time it daunted to me that expressing gratitude and ultimately “kindness” is essential in the quest of reaching a state of prolonged contentment. I was in my early twenties then, freshly enrolled as a Post-Graduate student and still completely clueless on how I wanted my career or personal life to unfold in the next few years. However, I knew one thing for sure – I wanted to carry myself with grace for the most of it and work through those anxieties on my own time and space. I was certain that I didn’t want to inflict my inner frustration to those around me.
I was just scrolling through my Social Media when a caption caught my eye.
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle”.
It is really so simple, but still so profoundly true and real and moving.
This beautiful quote served as a revelation to me. I suddenly felt connected and liberated from the self-evoked burden that I have to hide my pain. Instead I embraced the reality of it and accepted the fact that we, humans, need to face the universal truth that life is beautiful as much as terrifying and we simply must support each other and nurture whatever reminds us, that it is a divine privilege to be alive and able to experience all the spectrum of emotions.
Thus it began my pursuit for finding ways to express my personal crusade to spread the message of “kindness”. I found that small Random Acts of Kindness was the way to go and in my surprise, that approach had a ripple effect.
Now before listing a few ideas on how you can go about it, I firstly want to point out a few science-backed benefits that expressing kindness has on your health and overall wellbeing.
- Stress Levels Decrease
Expressing kindness to someone else (especially someone you care for) can lower your cortisol hormone levels and can protect your nervous system from anxiety of everyday life.
- Improves your Cholesterol Levels, Lowers Blood Pressure and Strengthens your Heart.
“Heart of Gold” expression evidently has a plethora of interpretations.
- Kindness makes you more attractive!
According to recent scientific research findings, when asked to choose among different photos of people and rate them as more attractive, both male and female participants exhibited clear preference towards the photos whose subjects the researchers described with qualities attached to the “kind” spectrum, like decent, honest and honorable.
- Elevates your career!
Employees who embrace a more compassionate office culture are more productive, efficient, physically healthy (thus less sick leave requests) and have higher levels of motivation.
- Boosts your Self-Confidence, Self – Accomplishment and Mental Resilience
“Hope” is an essential part of psychological wellbeing and by mindfully practicing kindness makes you find hope, kindness and compassion in all forms and unexpected places.
Luckily there are many simple ways that you can incorporate in your everyday life in order to endorse and welcome kindness in your life.
Find below a suggested list of 7 simple Random Acts of Kindness You Can Start Doing Today!
- Write a letter of appreciation to a person that for some reason had a positive impact on your life or inspired you in some way.
There is no greater reward than receiving appreciation for the fruits of your labor or just simple support. There is not even a single shred of doubt that even in your darkest days, there was a person – or even many than believed in you maybe more than you did at the time. Let them know.
- Join an Online Forum and share advice relevant to your expertise.
Whatever is your professional expertise or even your avid skills in a hobby, share your knowledge and pass the torch.
- Text someone “Good morning” or “Goodnight”
Kick-start someone’s day or make sure that it ends in a positive and caring note.
- Buy Local
It’s a simple way to positively impact local market and it’s most probably good for your belly too!
- Gift your favorite book
Give someone you care about the inspiration to see the world through the eyes of your favorite book’s writer.
- Spend time with your Grandparents or Visit a Nursing Home for the Elderly.
Listen to their stories, be open to receive their pearls of wisdom, show them that they still matter.
- Be spontaneous!
Just keep a keen eye and sometimes, random acts of kindness just come to you in the moment!
By Georgia Karaoli
Firstly published on “Pamper Junkie” Holistic Beauty and Wellness Blog https://www.facebook.com/pamperjunky/