Random Acts of Kindness
Continuing a very popular theme from last year, in this month’s lifetonic we’re re-visiting Random Acts of Kindness!
As you may recall from last year, being kind causes your body to release a variety of natural feel-good chemicals. As a result, practising kindness and compassion can make you happy, strengthen your immune system, reverse the effects of aging, alleviate discomfort, and even help you live longer.
Science shows there’s a link between kindness and happiness and that someone who feels joyful while doing good tend to do good more often.
Another significant advantage of kindness is that it has a ripple effect; people who are the recipients of acts of generosity frequently find up impulsively paying it forward, doing good things for other people.
It’s a positive loop system for your nervous system!
So let’s see where we can find little opportunities to sprinkle kindness throughout December….
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 – re-read your Lifetonic from November 2022 to understand how cultivating a daily gratitude practice can bolster your wellbeing. And if that’s not for you, then just simply look back over 2022 and then write down 3-5 things, moments or people that you’re grateful for. Research shows that this can increase happiness by 25%!
- Is there someone you can offer to run an errand for? A poorly or elderly neighbour that might need some support during our less than favourable winter weather? Or maybe just a friendly knock on the door to make sure they are ok.
- Who have you been meaning to catch up with this year but haven’t quite managed it? Make December the month where you see that family member or friend you’ve struggled to catch up with this year.
- How about letting someone who’s in the same queue as you go first? This is a great way to encourage someone to pay it forward and an easy way to show kindness in amongst the busy hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping which can be stressful for some.
- 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 or are grateful for them (there’s that gratitude practice again)
- Hold the door open of a busy shop or supermarket for a few moments and wish those that pass through a Merry Christmas. This is honestly one of my favourite ways to raise a smile on someone else’s face – especially in a world that seems really polarised and divided! Let’s never lose the art of communication and interaction – IN REAL LIFE!
- Donate, volunteer or raise awareness for a charity you love and are passionate about. It has never been a more challenging time for charities. Or simply buy your Christmas cards DIRECT from your favourite charity! The money goes straight to them not via a third party (which is often the case in supermarkets who have charity cards)
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 what random acts of kindness you’re going to be practising this December.
Wishing you a magical festive season friends – hug the life out of all those you hold dear!
