February 17th is marked in the United States as Random Acts of Kindness Day. In 2022, the date falls during a pandemic for the second year in a row, but the essence behind it suggests that you consider being kind every day.
They want you to be a “RAKtivist” or a “random acts of kindness activist”.
Here’s why: Spreading kindness doesn’t just help others feel better about themselves — it can also improve the health and happiness of those taking action, according to research. It’s everyone’s victory; understand the reasons:
A ‘helper cockroach’
Putting the well-being of others before our own without expecting anything in return — or what’s called altruism — stimulates the brain’s reward centers, studies show. These feel-good chemicals flood our bodies, producing a sort of “helper cockroach”. Volunteering, for example, has been shown to minimize stress and improve depression.
That’s not all: the same activity can also reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and even help us live longer.
One reason for this, experts say, is because kindness contributes to our sense of community and belonging. And that, according to studies, is one of the main factors that lead to a longer and healthier life.
lower blood pressure
Giving to others, or “prosocial spending,” has been shown to lower blood pressure and improve heart health. One study asked a group of hypertensive people to spend $40 on themselves, while another group of people with high blood pressure were told to spend the money on others.
The researchers found that those who spent money on others had lower blood pressure at the end of the six-week study. In fact, the benefits were as great as those of a healthy diet and exercise.
pain reduction
Giving seems to lessen our pain. A recent study found that people who said they would donate money to help orphans were less sensitive to an electric shock than those who refused to donate. Also, the more helpful people thought their donation would be, the less pain they felt.
How could this happen? The study showed that brain regions that react to painful stimulation seem to be instantly turned off by the experience of giving.
Happiness
In the UK, researchers found that being kind can increase happiness in just three days. The study divided people into three groups: the first group had to do an act of kindness every day; the second group tried a new activity, and the third group did nothing. Groups that were kind and did new things saw a significant increase in happiness.
You will feel even greater joy if you are creative in your acts of kindness. Happiness researchers Sonja Lyubomirsky and Kennon Sheldon found that people who did a variety of acts of kindness throughout the week showed greater increases in happiness than those who performed the same activity repeatedly.
And here’s the good news: it seems that acts of kindness can be anonymous or unannounced, spontaneous or planned, and can be as simple as giving someone a compliment or opening the door.
Kindness suggestions
Okay, assuming you’re convinced and want to become a kinder, more helpful person, there are literally hundreds of ideas on the internet. Here are some to get you started:
- When driving, make room for the car that wants to get into your lane
- Give genuine praise to a family member, friend, or colleague (via text, email, or video chat, please)
- Do the same for your boss – they probably never get compliments!
- Let go of the grudge and tell this person you forgive them (unless telling them makes things worse)
- Be there for a friend who is going through a difficult time. Don’t try to fix it; just listen
- Leave a thank you note for the postman
- Give your delivery man a good tip
But I’m so tired
That’s more than fair. Many people are overworked or have lost their jobs during the pandemic and are worried about their children and elderly relatives. Consider being kind to yourself (whatever that means) in the midst of this chaos. We all need a break.
Read sleep quality news at CNN. Want more ideas? The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation also has English-language lists of kindness ideas, organized by work, community, environment, animals, strangers, children, seniors, and more.
“You are making the world a better place,” they say. But don’t forget – any kindness you offer to others is also a gift to yourself.
Source: CNN Brasil
