Random acts of kindness...

Being kind to others does not involve money and at times can involve very little time or effort.  There are examples happening all around.  In preparation of writing this blog I thought about examples I have seen in recent weeks, some grand gestures and some very small:-

• A recent compliment on my outfit in a coffee shop
• My in-laws having their supper paid for by a stranger (he said they reminded him of his own parents)
• A coffee being given to a homeless person outside a tube station
• Holding a door for several people to enter a shop

When you receive kindness you feel seen, valued, worthy, happy and safe by some-one who may even be a stranger taking the time to connect with you. 

The impact on the person giving the kindness is just as beneficial, they also feel happier, more connected and it improves their sense of belonging & purpose.

Start small maybe making someone a coffee or a tea in your house, write a note to a friend and at work do a drinks round. 

Studies show that there is a direct correlation between stress and chronic inflammation.  Kindness can reduce stress studies have shown that people who volunteer, give to others with their time and support are able to reduce stress. 

Being consciously aware that you are being kind at least 3 times a week can give a boost to your mood and reduce pressure in the body and in the head.  It can make you feel more optimistic.

Studies of  brain scans can see the difference between someone donating blood to another giving blood for a test.  The difference between having that warm glow of doing something for others, to the focus on what is actually happening if you are having to give blood for a medical reason.  The brain's reward system releases dopamine which makes us feel good mentally and physically and this can be seen on a scan when people donated blood. 

So try 3 random acts of kindness this week and let me know how you feel?

For more reference and ideas, listen to a past episode from Michael Mosley "Just one thing" https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001v3j8 and also visit the website Random Acts of Kindness https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/