The past year has had more people being conscience of being kind to one another. The holidays are a great time to express gratitude and appreciation and it is actually good for our health. According to Dr. Kelli Harding's research, she has found that kindness can improve patient's lives. She says, "People who experience kind and loving environments fare better."
People get a health benefit from both giving and receiving kindness, so Harding recommends practicing it every day. Here are her tips for promoting kindness:
Start off by being kind to yourself! Stop negative self-talk for good. Improve your life by taking a class about something that interests you. Education is a great way to be kind to yourself. It is great for your brain and overall health!
Acts of kindness don't have to be big to make an impact. There are many opportunities during the day when you can practice doing nice things. For instance, when you go to the coffee shop look the barista in the eye and genuinely ask how their day is going, you can hold the elevator for someone or you can even just shoot a smile at others. Harding says, "It can actually boost your mood and it also has a positive ripple effects on your biology."
If you know someone who is going through a tough time or who is lonely, reach out to them. Just because you offer companionship doesn't mean they will accept it but your offer will not go unnoticed. Sometimes just letting someone know you are there for them can be enough and if you continue trying to connect with people someone will eventually be grateful for your compassion.
Make it a goal to get to know your co-workers better. Don't just go spreading gossip, try and connect on a deeper level with your colleagues by learning something about them as human beings. Having a good work environment can also have a positive affect on how you feel in your life overall. Kindness can have a positive influence on others around you.
The power of touch is impressive so give more hugs! Harding says, "I'm definitely giving my kids much longer hugs." She advises treating relationships the same way you treat diet and exercise - as something critical to your health.
Has someone shown you kindness in the past? If so, you can send them a note or grab some coffee with them to acknowledge what their kindness meant to you. It will not only make them feel good but you too.
You never know what someone else is going through. If there is someone in your life who is being unkind remember the saying "Hurt people, hurt people." Even if someone is not being nice you can still spread joy through being kind, even when someone else isn't returning it to you.
Not sure where to start? Take a look at some ideas HERE
Read the full article at Today