Performing random acts of kindness is good for your own well-being as well as that of others.
Since Thanksgiving is next Thursday, I challenge you this week to perform random acts of kindness daily.
- Let family and friends know your gratitude for them.
- Smile at the grocery clerk.
- Say “Hi” to a neighbor.
These small gestures can turn someone else’s and your own day around because they improve mood and diminish stress.
Did you know that when you are kind or someone is thoughtful towards you, it improves both the receiver’s and the giver’s health, as well as having a positive influence on those observing?¹
Simple acts of kindness include being grateful and appreciative of yourself, so treat yourself to a soothing bath, listen to some music, or spend some time doing something else you enjoy too.
As Helen Keller said,
What I am looking for is not out there—it is in here.
Please share your list of small kindnesses and how they made you feel.
Best to each of you!
¹ Post, S. G. (2005). Altruism, happiness, and health: it’s good to be good. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 12(2), 66–77. doi:10.1207/s15327558ijbm1202_4
Mental Health Foundation: Doing good does you good.
Watch Dr. Diane Sanford in conversation with Kathleen Kendall-Tackett: