Randon Acts of Kindness
In a season that seems to be becoming less and less what it’s meant to be about, I thought we’d reinstate the true meaning of the Festive Season and so the subject of our Lifetonic this month is Randon Acts of Kindness.
And the surprising thing is, science shows the benefits of kindness are actually greater for the giver than the receiver. According to a research by Otake, Shimai and Tanaka-Matsumi there’s a link between kindness and happiness in which someone feels joyful while doing good and happy individuals do good more often. Being nice causes your body to release a variety of natural feel-good chemicals. As a result, exercising kindness and compassion can make you happy, strengthen your immune system, reverse the effects of aging, alleviate discomfort, and even help you live longer.
Another significant advantage of kindness is that it has a ripple effect, and the compassion travels both ways. In other words, the effects are frequently infectious. People who are the recipients of acts of generosity frequently find up impulsively paying it forward, doing good things for other people.
So as a community, let’s embrace the spirit of giving, love and generosity and practice random acts of kindness in small ways this month…
Here’s a few ideas to get you started:
- Send a thank you note to someone in your life that’s made a difference this year – it could be someone you know, but equally it could be your local hospital, hospice, fire brigade or maybe your children’s school teacher.
- Be kind to yourself – look back over 2021 and then write down 3-5 things, moments or people that you’re grateful for. Research shows that this can increase happiness by 25%!
- Offer to run an errand for someone you know to help take something off their plate if they’re extra busy.
- Make a Christmas date to see a family member or friend you’ve struggled to catch up with this year.
- Bake some Christmas themed cookies and do a secret door drop for your neighbours. Use a gift tag to share a note of positivity or encouragement for them.
- If you’re queuing in the supermarket, let someone in line go in front of you in—this is a great way to encourage someone to pay it forward.
- Speaking of paying it forward, the next time you’re in line for coffee, consider paying for the person behind you. Who wouldn’t love that gesture!
- Pay an unexpected compliment to three people a week; an easy way to make someone feel seen and appreciated.
- Write a note to someone you care about and include the top 10 reasons that you love them
- Hold the door open of a busy shop or supermarket for a few moments and wish those that pass through a merry christmas
- Offer to pick up shopping for an elderly neighbour or the next time you’re cooking your dinner, make an extra portion and hand it in to them. Not only does being kind and giving to others bless the people who are receiving, but it blesses you as well.
- Donate, volunteer or raise awareness for a charity you love and are passionate about.
Let’s change the world, one small act at a time.
Don’t forget to share how you’re sprinkling some kindness into the month by dropping into our Facebook community and letting us know and be sure to save your Mindtonic as a little reminder to spread the joy this Festive Season.
To everyone in TLC who has shown me kindness, love and compassion since becoming part of this beautiful group I am eternally grateful for your presence and thankful for your kindness of spirit.
Wishing you a peaceful holiday season.
Be good to you,
Love Julie x
