In last week's Healthy Habits Post I talked about women taking back their power and that not only is it okay to care for yourself first, but that it is essential for a happier life.
Today I want to talk about being kind to others.
Did you know that being kind to others is not just good for them, it is also good for your well-being?
Being Nice Makes Us Happier
I find that a smile goes a long way. No matter how irritable I may feel when I smile at someone and see their face light up I instantly feel happier.
Kindness makes us happy, and happiness makes us kind. I guess you could say it is what makes the world go round.
I think I am going to purchase this print to hang on my wall.
Kindness Leads To A Longer Life
Researchers have found that social isolation leads to early mortality. This is very concerning in these times where we have become increasingly isolated during the covid pandemic.
Connecting with others through kindness strengthens our social connections and increases our likelihood of a longer life.
Both intentional and random acts of kindness have a positive impact on our well-being.
Kindness Reduces Stress
Witnessing or participating in acts of kindness produces oxytocin, also known as "the love hormone".
Oxytocin lowers our blood pressure and improves our overall heart health while increasing our self-esteem and optimism.
Being kind also stimulates the production of serotonin which helps to calm us down and works as an antidepressant.
Wired For Kindness
Are we born with a gene for kindness? Many researchers believe so. This might explain why being kind later in life has such positive effects on us.
Our bodies may remember what our conscious minds may not. Being kind is an innate trait that makes us feel good.
Being kind may not fix everything, but the positive effects that it has on others and on ourselves seem worth that simple smile.
Read more Healthy Habits posts.
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Hi Laura. I have always felt that sharing kindness is good for your own soul. It is free and makes you and the other person feel great. Hope you have a great day today.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Kris
I so agree! I don't interact with as many people any more...not as much shopping or club meetings. But I know that one of the reasons I love the paved trails is because I see more people and get to say hello and smile! It makes the hike all the sweeter! Wonderful post this morning! I look forward to these posts! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Laura. Kindness always matters...
ReplyDeleteKindness seems to be missing more and more in today's fast-paced, contentious environment. Thanks for the reminder that kindness matters. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could be more like my husband in this area. He says, 'Why would I want to make someone's day harder when I could make it better?" He teaches classes & does a lot of one-on-on training in his job. He gives his best even to the most difficult people.
ReplyDeleteIn general I think I'm a kind person but I would love to do better. I'm glad to have the reminders in this post to keep improving. Thanks.
I completely agree, always be kind to others It makes them happy and life's too short to be rude and not nice
ReplyDeleteI know that when I smile at a stranger on the street I feel this little surge of energy.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
You are so right! That is something I taught my kids from an early age... I would always say "do unto others as you would have them do unto you". My son recently told me that he always remembers me saying that.. he's 43 now and I think it has carried over into his own life. There is a bible verse I think, that in essence says "it is in giving that we receive". I've always gone by that... and I know that giving a little kindness to someone comes back twofold (or more) to me. It really does matter and makes the giver feel better too. Marilyn
ReplyDeleteSo true. And kindness is contagious!
ReplyDelete