The Benefits of Being Kind
World Kindness Day is coming up on November 13! We love that there’s a special day dedicated to celebrating and encouraging acts of kindness across the globe but it also brings up the question - shouldn’t we be acting with kindness every day and not just on a special occasion? Our answer - a resounding yes! And if your kids ask “why”, as kids often do, here are some great reasons and benefits of being kind!
It makes you feel good
Have you ever gotten that "good feeling" when you help someone out, volunteer, or do a random act of kindness? Turns out it's not just a feeling, it's science. Acting with kindness releases endorphins, similar to that great feeling you get when you exercise. It also boosts serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of happiness and well-being. Simply put, it makes you feel good to be kind! But if that’s not reason enough...
It's healthy!
It's often said that kind people have a big heart. But not only that - a healthy heart too! Again back to science, acting with kindness releases the hormone oxytocin which studies have shown can lead to a reduction in stress and anxiety, as well as, in turn, help to reduce blood pressure and inflammation. But if that’s not reason enough...
It increases self esteem and sense of purpose
We all want our kids to be confident and have a secure sense of self. By focussing on kindness for others and directing our attention beyond ourselves, we're given a sense of purpose. For kids, experiencing power to effect change and positive impact through simple acts of kindness is an amazing way to boost their self-esteem, showing them that they have the ability to affect people's lives in a positive way and that their actions matter. Kids thrive when they are valuable and have purpose. Give it a try and see how proud your kids get when they show kindness towards someone else. But if that’s not reason enough...
It improves relationships
When you take the time to show someone kindness, it shows that person that they matter. Whether it's showing kindness to a family member or a stranger on the street, showing someone that they are valuable and worthy of kindness deepens connections. We all want the best relationships possible with our kids and for them too. As the old adage goes, do unto others as you would have them do unto you. But if that’s not reason enough...
The ripple effect
When we act with kindness, it inspires others to be kind. Hopefully you've seen this in action - when someone does something nice for you, it inspires you to pay it forward, or perhaps you've seen kindness reciprocated when you do something nice for someone else. No act of kindness is ever small or insignificant, especially when it starts a chain reaction or ripple effect of kindness. You never know where one small action will lead, and you may never find out. But one thing is clear - no act of kindness is ever wasted!