Small Acts of Kindness
Over the month of June we at the Collective have been spreading the love leading on from National Thinking of You Week. We had fun posting cards to people and places that mean something to us and thank you to those who got in touch after receiving one of our cards. I would like to conclude this month by reflecting on Small Acts of Kindness.
Psychology Today states that being kind can have an impact on your psychological and physical health. Mother Theresa once said, “We cannot do great things on this earth, only small things with great love”. Kindness is a behavioural response of compassion and actions that are selfless or a mindset that places compassion for others before one’s own interests. In performing the selfless act a person may undercut their own selfish interests.
Kindness is a value that is often disregarded and undervalued. Kind people can be viewed as ‘enablers’ by some and ‘suckers’ by the cynical. In fact, kindness is inextricably linked to happiness and contentment, at the psychological and spiritual level. Why do random acts of kindness increase a person’s sense of happiness? Because kindness can promote gratitude, empathy and compassion which in turn leads to a sense of inter-connectedness to others. When you feel connected to others you lessen alienation and enhance the sense that we are more similar than dissimilar in our experiences. Feeling connected brings us together rather than dividing us. Kindness is potent in strengthening a sense of community and belonging.
Researcher Barbara Fredrickson claims that loving kindness moves us out of the selfish realm and takes us off the hedonic treadmill. Compassion and kindness also reduce stress, boost our immune systems, and help reduce emotions such as anger, anxiety and depression.
When we practice random acts of kindness:
It releases an energy – we feel better and the recipients of our acts feel better, which makes them more likely to be kind to other people
It can release neurochemicals resulting in a sense of well-being
It can reduce pain – dopamine, serotonin, and endogenous opioids are released by kind behaviour
It enhances the release of oxytocin in interactions where two or more people are engaged in kindness behaviour (see our Hugs post). In turn, bonds between those who are kind to one another, are strengthened
It enhances both physical and mental health – many physical ailments are either precipitated by or aggravated by stress. Kindness reduces stress.
Kindness is a habit of giving—of wanting to lift burdens from others, or to merely provide a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on. It humanizes us, lifts us spiritually and is good for us.
Here are some ideas for small acts of kindness:
Letting someone cut in front of you in a traffic jam
Stopping to talk with an elderly neighbour even though you are in a rush
Lending a hand to a co-worker who is behind in their project
Giving a dinner gift certificate to a couple you know who are facing hard times
Read more about Small Acts of Kindness at Psychology Today
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