Tips for Kindness

‘Kindness is one of the most forgotten, yet most wonderful gifts you can give. Kindness has the power to heal wounds and spread hope. It can brighten someone’s day and turn around their entire week. It can remind someone how wonderful they are in case no one else has told them lately. Kindness can remind someone that they aren’t ever alone, even if they feel like it sometimes. It can encourage someone to be themself, without hiding who they truly are. It brings us together and reminds us that we really are more similar than we are different.’

Nikki Banas, Shine from Within.

Research from the World Health Organisation found that approximately 3 million people in the UK are suffering from anxiety (WHO, The Global Burden of Disease). Kindness can help change our brain chemistry, for the better. Science has shown that kindness boosts positive emotions by increasing levels of dopamine and serotonin. Along with endorphins - the brain’s ‘happy’ chemical. You will know yourself that making or receiving a kind gesture makes you feel good.

Here a few ways to incorporate more kindness into our lives:

Pay a Compliment

Compliments are such an easy way to brighten up someone’s day. Look out for success, and celebrate others when they’ve done well. If someone has a new haircut or outfit that you like - let them know. We all know how good it feels to receive a compliment, it can change your day around, so take the opportunities when they arise.

Buy From an Independent

When you buy from a small independent you make a real person smile - it means the world to them to have your support. Try and support your local independents rather than the automatic reaction to buy through the big retailers like Amazon.

Love List

Think of someone that you really love and care about, write down some kind words about this person and give it to them when you get the next opportunity, or send it through as a text. This act of kindness might shed a few happiness tears!

Smile

When we smile the brain releases endorphins, triggering a reduction in stress and improvement in mood. Smiling can be contagious, so turn the corners of your mouth upwards into a smile and see who joins you!

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