Kankakee Times

Kindness on a basic level is quite easy. It’s about seeing someone in a favorable light and naturally wanting to be good to them. It involves giving of oneself freely, for the pure reason of helping others without the expectation of reciprocity.

Why Be Kind?

Portraying kindness to yourself and to others provides mental health benefits. Contributing kindness to your community encourages others to do the same. Here are some benefits of kindness: 

• Builds confidence
• Increases happiness
• Adds positivity and optimism 
• Enlarges sense of belonging
• Reduces isolation
• Helps us relate to others
• Improves positive relationships with friends, family, and strangers
• Makes you healthier and prevents illness
• Releases feel-good hormones
• Eases anxiety and reduces stress
• Warms your heart

Ways to Be More Kind

1. Begin your day with kindness on the road

A simple way to show and encourage kindness, especially to strangers, is to be a bit more easygoing when driving. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to your destination so you are tolerant of other drivers.  Use your turn signal, allow other cars to merge into traffic, and smile.  If someone lets you into traffic, acknowledge your gratitude with a simple wave.  Starting the day with kindness on the road sets your day up for success.

 

2. Think kindness first, speak second

As I’m sure you’ve heard before, think before you speak, and in this case, think KINDNESS! Whenever you think of something to do or say that isn’t kind, remember to choose kindness before you speak. Choosing kindness over negativity is a sign of good character and will only put you in a better mood moving forward. 

 

3. Acknowledge others with kindness, even if it’s just for a second

This can be a simple act with coworkers, strangers on the street, etc.  Take time to look up from your device and make eye contact with people. Never discriminate against whom to be kind to.  You truly never know what an individual is going through on a given day. A simple act of acknowledgment goes a long way and can boost not only their day but your own. If you are at a store, make eye contact, smile, and say thank you. 

 

4. Try to practice an act of kindness each day in whatever capacity 

The best way to encourage kindness is to practice and spread it yourself every day. When in doubt, the best action you can provide to someone is kindness.  Hopefully, that encourages others to reward you with the same action. Kindness has the power to change someone's day for the better and give them the encouragement to spread joy into another’s life. 

5. Set an example and be a leader

Be a role model to others around you and practice those good intentions. You should feel good about being kind. The more positivity and kindness you spread, the more you will see in return. Being considerate to strangers, acquaintances, and close friends is so important to your mental health and the attitude you have moving forward with your day. Be considerate and mindful of how you impact others. 

As you move forward with your day, try out a few of these tips to become kinder. The kindness you spread is not only good for others but your mind and heart!

Original source can be found here