Kindness for Greater Wellbeing

Greetings! 

The world always needs more love. 

The holiday season is a time for spreading smiles, opening our hearts, and giving to others. 

This year let’s spread some holiday magic everywhere we go by sprinkling in a little kindness here and there.  Not only can we help transform the world, but sharing these small acts of kindness can elevate our own happiness and wellbeing.  

Let’s paint smiles on faces and spread generous doses of joy on the hearts of those around us. 

This is the fifth dose of a six-week series on practical tips for navigating the holiday season for increased happiness.  Today we are talking about the magical world of Random Acts of Kindness.

Grab a mug of warmth, sit back, and let the season of goodwill commence!

There's Real Science!

Let’s first talk science!

Numerous psychological studies have linked acts of kindness with increased happiness.  The seemingly magical effect of kindness on our own wellbeing is due to neurochemistry.

When we extend kindness, our brains end up basking in a mixture of “feel-good” endorphins.  It’s the equivalent of throwing celebratory confetti at a party!

Not only do these neurotransmitters enhance our mood and sense of happiness, but they also contribute to decreased stress levels. 

Furthermore, participating in small acts of kindness can trigger a positive feedback loop which in turn boosts self-esteem and creates a deeper sense of connection and belonging.

It’s the ultimate win-win for everyone! 

The holiday season is the perfect backdrop for spreading kindness.

Small Simple Acts Can Have a Big Impact

Random acts of kindness don't have to be grand gestures even small, thoughtful actions can have a significant impact.

Here are some ideas for Random Acts of Kindness that you can try:

• Hold the door for someone.
• Give a genuine compliment to someone.
• Leave a positive note or an uplifting quote in a public place for a stranger to find.
• Buy a coffee for the person behind you.
• Donate spare change.
• Offer your seat to someone on the subway.
• Pick up litter.
• Send a thank you note.
• Let someone merge in front of you.
• Smile warmly at someone.
• Donate old blankets or towels to an animal shelter.
• Offer to help someone.
• Let someone with just a few things go in front of you at the grocery store.
• Bring treats to work (hint hint!! ahem.).
• Send a hand-written holiday card.
• Spend time with someone.

The possibilities are endless. Try one that works for you! 

Random acts of kindness bring out the good in us, and inspire us. They lead to a beautiful cascade of goodwill in the world.

Browsing the headlines this year, stories of kindness are out there if you look for them.

• Chicago Marathon Runner Rescues Stray Kitten During the Race – Bystander Gives it a Home
• Starbucks Workers Raise Over $40k for Beloved Barista After her Car was Burglarized
• Local Community Comes Together in Two Days to Form Parade of 83 Drivers for Stranger’s Birthday
• Man’s Wedding Ring Lost in Ocean is Found, So He Drives 1600 Miles to Thank Humble Metal Detectorist in Person
• After Job Lay Off, Jersey Man said, ‘I Want to Mow Your Lawn’ and His Free Services Spread Across the Nation
• Little Boy Reunited with LEGO Man After Creating a ‘Missing Person’ Poster
• Airline Pilot Reunites 9-year-old with her Beloved Doll Lost Half a World Away

But you don't have to be in the headlines to make a difference in someone's day and trigger a whole cascade of feel-good acts in your community!

Random Acts of Kindness and Wellbeing

Random acts of kindness have a profound impact on individual well-being, contributing to both mental and emotional health.

Here’s a partial list of the many benefits!

• Release of Hormones: Performing acts of kindness triggers release of chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin, which are associated with happiness, love, and social bonding. 
• Reduction of Stress: Focusing on others and the positive emotions which result, help counteract the effects of stress.
• Increased Life Satisfaction: Individuals that regularly practice random acts of kindness report higher levels of life satisfaction and wellbeing.
• Enhanced Mood: Kindness is a mood booster and helps to create a positive emotional state, whether you are the giver or recipient.
• Improved Mental Health:  Engaging in acts of kindness has been associated with a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Better Self-Esteem: Knowing that your actions have a positive impact on others contributes to a more positive self-image.
• Enhances Social Connections: Positive interactions with others contributes to a sense of belonging, community, and connectedness.
• Shift Your Perspective: Practicing kindness can provide a broader view of the world, reduce feelings of isolation, and contribute to an improved sense of wellbeing.
• Long-Term Health Benefits: Research suggests that the positive impact of practicing kindness on wellbeing extends beyond immediate emotional benefits to contribute to overall health and longevity.

What an easy way to obtain so many wonderful benefits for our mental and emotional wellbeing!

Incorporate Kindness Daily

Start by looking for the opportunities in your everyday life where a small gesture could make a big difference.

Try some of the listed ideas above, such as holding the door for someone, offering a genuine compliment, or leaving an uplifting note for a colleague.

Or create some of your own ideas to try! 

Small, thoughtful actions, when done consistently, can create a ripple effect of positivity.

The holiday season is a great time to regularly practice random acts of kindness. 

Think of it as a warmup for the year ahead!

What will be your next random act of kindness?

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My goal is to help inspire a happier world.

Thanks for reading!

Cheers,

Tracy Davis, MD PhD

Certified Life Coach (CPC, ELI-MP, COR.E Dynamics Specialist)

The Happy Physician

I help physicians (and non-physicians) achieve greater happiness and a more fulfilling life.  

thehappyphysician.com 

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