It’s World Kindness Day on 13th November. It’s so important to be kind to others as well as ourselves.
Being kind to others and ourselves can significantly improve our own physical and mental wellbeing. Plus, it is contagious in a good way!
There have even been scientific studies into the effects of kindness, showing acts of kindness helps your immune system, reduces stress, gives you energy and is good for your heart!
Check out this article from the BBC Newsround which explains further https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/54921787
Not sure where to start? Mental Health Organisation has put together some suggestions to get us started. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/doing-good-does-you-good/random-acts-kindness
At home and in your community
- Call a friend that you haven’t spoken to for a while
- Post a card or letter to someone you are out of touch with
- Send flowers to a friend out of the blue
- Find out if a neighbour needs any help with shopping
- Help a friend pack for a move
- Send someone a handwritten thank you note
- Offer to babysit for a friend
- Walk your friend’s dog
- Tell your family members how much you love and appreciate them
- Help with household chores
- Shovel snow for an elderly neighbour
- Check on someone you know who is going through a tough time
- Help a friend who wants to get active
At work
- Remember to say hi to colleagues and ask how they are
- Offer to make a drink for your colleagues
- Get to know a new member of staff
- Lend your ear - listen to your colleague who is having a bad day
- Say thank you to a colleague who has helped you
- Praise a colleague for something they have done well
In public places
- Give up your seat to an elderly, disabled or pregnant person
- Take a minute to help a tourist who is lost even though you are in a rush
- Have a conversation with a homeless person
- Help a parent carrying a push chair down some stairs or hold the door for them
- Be a considerate cyclist/driver
- Pick up some rubbish lying around in the street
- Smile and say hello to people you may pass every day, but have never spoken to before
Evidence shows that being kind really does improve your wellbeing. What’s more, the more you do for others, the more they are likely to do for you.
It’s important to remember yourself too:
Be kind to yourself
- Prioritise some “me” time so you can relax and reflect.
- Treat yourself to something small like buying or planting yourself some flowers
- Do something you enjoy like listening to a favourite song or piece of music
- Spend some time in nature, which is good for your wellbeing
Source - Mental Health Organisation and BBC
