It was Random Acts of Kindness Day on Monday (17 Feb). I’m not a fan of these arbitrary days but there’s definitely something in the idea of kindness.
The world feels very tribal right now. Many people are full of fear, feeling defensive and separate from those around them. It feels like we’ve lost a a shared sense of community, even humanity.
I really believe that the antidote to this is kindness and connection. And the added bonus is that the more we help others, the more we help ourselves. It’s been proven that kindness improves health and wellbeing. That’s for the person doing the kind act, the person receiving it – and anyone who witnesses it taking place!
Studies have shown that helping others can decrease cortisol, the stress hormone, and increase oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine, the feelgood hormones. In fact, there’s even something known as the “helper’s high”.
It reduces stress, boosts happiness and enhances self-esteem. It can improve social connection and help with perspective – helping us not to be so all-consumed by our own issues.
With my work with the Samaritans, I’m enjoying meeting new people and having that “going to work” feeling – something us homeworkers don’t get much. My coaching experience is helping my Samaritans skills but I also know the calls are helping my coaching too – a lovely reciprocal benefit. And I’m honoured that people share an insight into their lives with me, often when things are tough. Many are kind to me too – saying such lovely things. And perhaps one of the biggest boosts I get is touching into the humanity of it all – people helping; people reaching out for help, all just because we can. I love that.
So why not give a random act of kindness a go? It might just give you (and someone else) a lift. It doesn’t have to be a big commitment – small and simple works too. One of my favourite things is to let pedestrians cross the road when I’m driving (as I’m often the one on the pavement getting mad that no one will stop for me!).
