Our day to day lives at times have become fast paced, demanding and reactive, so taking moments to pause and reflect to think about kindness, what this means, and do we have enough of this in our lives is extremely important if we are to work better together in being kind.
If humanity and communities are to truly thrive and be the best they can be in supporting each other, kindness has to be present, without frequent and consistent glimmers of kindness here and there, we can begin to live in a world that fosters feelings of loneliness, isolation and creates unnecessary disconnect which can impact negatively on feelings of trust in the world we live in.
On the other hand, a giver of kindness or a recipient of kindness can enhance and transform relationships, our communities, and our own sense of fulfilment.
Kindness doesn't have to be in grand or dramatic gestures it can be found in the smallest of gestures:
- Holding the door for someone
- Writing a thoughtful comment online
- Offering a smile to a stranger
- Checking in on a friend
- Simply listening to someone without judgement
These small acts can spread far and wide and can create the ripple effect of kindness.
When showing kindness, you are not just giving to someone else, you are also nurturing your own emotional wellbeing.
Studies have shown that acts of kindness released the feel-good hormones oxytocin and serotonin, and it can also help to reduce stress and improve heart health.
Kindness has the power to heal both the giver and the receiver.
Being Kind Online and Social Media
As mentioned at the beginning, we live now in a day-to-day existence that is at times extremely fast paced and highly reactive, where the Internet and social media allow us to be connected like never before 24/7.
Used positively, social media is wonderful but in the hands of anonymous internet trolls, keyboard warriors and those who just seem to thrive on joining in negative dialogue, here we enter into the world of cyber bullying an unnecessary and toxic act understood only by the person whom is choosing to act this extremely unkind way.
There are we know always more constructive avenues to discuss and address real problems or concerns therefore we should sometimes question why social media is used opposed to these more effective and constructive avenues, as very rarely are solutions to any problems found by negatively attacking or discussing something on a social media platform’s especially anonymously, a lot of what happens here is unkind and just seeks to tear services or people down, is that really kind?
Practising kindness online means being mindful of how our digital voices impact others, so let’s think about the following:
- Pause before Posting: Ask yourself if what you're about to post you would say to this person face to face?
- Encourage Instead of Criticising: Compliments / Supportive comments
- Spread Positivity: Share Helpful Tips, Uplifting Stories or Gratitude Posts that Remind Others of the Good in the World
- Stand up for Kindness: If you see negativity or online bullying respond with empathy or report it instead of adding to the hostility
Every message you send has a person behind the screen, a kind comment might be the light someone needs on a dark day.
Random Acts of Kindness
Often it is the smallest gestures that leave the biggest impact, acts of kindness didn't need to be planned or grand, there are some simple ways you can bring kindness into your day. You could leave a kind note for a coworker, friend or family member, offer to help a friend or neighbour with something, send a surprise gift to someone it doesn’t have to be their birthday or special occasion, donate to a local cause or volunteer your time to help someone else.
One thoughtful deed can start a chain reaction and around them act of kindness often inspires others to do the same.
Gratitude
Kindness and gratitude are deeply connected, when we take the time to appreciate what we have and the people we have who make our lives better naturally we become kinder.
Gratitude shifts our focus and our mindset from thinking about what's missing or what we don't have, to considering what is meaningful and what we do have.
There are a few ways we can practise gratitude as part of our daily life, some people like to keep a gratitude journal and write down three things they are thankful for each day, you can express your appreciation to someone by sending a thank you message if they have made a difference to your day or your life, you can take the time to reflect before bed think of one kind act you witnessed or experienced that day.
We radiate kindness when we live with gratitude and that positive energy becomes contagious.
Kindness doesn't just make the world better it makes you better by strengthening your empathy, creating deeper connections and reminding us that even the smallest gestures can make a big difference.
Kindness can become more than an act but a habit, in every comment, every conversation and every corner of our life. Being kind doesn't require wealth, status or perfection in a world that can often feel uncertain or divided it reminds us of our shared humanity.
Be Kind, be the difference between helping people thrive not just survive.
Further Reading:
Kindness matters guide | Mental Health Foundation
Why kindness matters (and 14 ways to practice it today) — Calm Blog