World Kindness Day is celebrated on November 13th, but many celebrate it the entire week from November 10-16. It’s a time to focus on being kind to your community, others, and especially yourself. Being kind comes with positive benefits. When we open a door for another person at the supermarket, say “Good morning” to your co-workers, or even allowing yourself that special coffee in the morning, it does something for us. It ignites a small flame whether for a moment or a day. That flame helps us to feel a little better, a little brighter. The impacts of being kind can help foster human connection and help us practice compassion for ourself.
Kindness can also help us to improve out mental well-being. There’s plenty of research on how kindness can activate emotional, social, and even the physical parts of ourself. Doing things to be kind to others can activate chemicals in our brain. It effects the “happy hormones” such as dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals are important in improving our mood and helping to feel more satisfied in our daily living. Kindness can also help to fight against depression and anxiety. It can help us shift from negativity brought on by depression and anxiety and shift focus to the more positive side. Studies show consistently practicing kindness can help lower cortisol levels over time.
Acts of kindness can strengthen our social relationships, which can help us feel more connected while also combating feelings of loneliness. When we feel human connection, it can help to feel supported, which can positively impact our sense of resilience. Even saying “Good morning” to a total stranger can or smiling can help feeling connected to others. When we practice being kind, it can help contribute to a feeling or purpose or even gratitude. The best part is kindness tends to spread.
It is just as important to show kindness to ourselves. Humans endure great stress which sometimes can result in depression or anxiety. Showing kindness to ourselves can be self-care (dinner with friends, 30 minutes to yourself, knowing when to say no), positive self-talk, and engaging in healthy coping skills. Showing kindness to ourselves can lower symptoms of depression and anxiety. It can also help with burnout. What can you do you show kindness to yourself and others today?