The Ripple Effect: How Acts of Kindness Enhance Our Lives
As Thanksgiving arrives, I’d like to pause and express my deepest gratitude. Thank you for being part of this community, no matter how our paths have crossed. I appreciate you taking the time to read my words and thoughts; it’s a way for me to reflect and connect. I’m thankful. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Here’s a Question for you: Did you know there’s science behind Acts of Kindness? Here’s the thing: Being kind improves your mental and physical health.
Being kind boosts serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters in the brain that give you feelings of satisfaction and well-being…and cause the pleasure/reward centers in your brain to light up. Endorphins, which are your body's natural pain killer, also can be released. In other words, kindness is healing.
So, what if, during this season of Gratitude, each of us committed to one small act of kindness (AoK) every day? I’m curious to know how a collective expression of kindness would impact our immediate circles and communities.
Here’s are some findings on the transformative power of kindness:
Positive Impact on Well-Being. AoK has been linked to improved mental and emotional well-being. Kindness reduces stress while evoking feelings of happiness and satisfaction (for both the giver and receiver of AoK).
Strengthening Connections. Kindness is a powerful tool for building and strengthening relationships with trust, care and understanding. It’s a heart-to-heart connector.
Reducing Stress & Boosting Health.Research shows that kindness has the power to decrease pain, lessen anxiety, lower blood pressure, and increase the capacity of our immune system to fight disease.
Creating Ripple Effects. A single AoK can inspire others to pay it forward, creating a chain reaction of positive behaviors. Have you ever participated in a pay it forward? Often fun and rewarding!
Enhancing Empathy & Compassion. A ‘side-effect’ of consistent kindness is an heightened awareness of the needs and feelings of others. Seems obvious, but can you imagine the benefits of a more compassionate and understanding society?
There are many other benefits I could list, but I think you get the point that kindness is not only cool but good for us. Would you be willing to give kindness a go this season? Think of ways you can cultivate and practice more acts of kindness. Perhaps it’s something fun to discuss over dinner this holiday.
Hope you have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. Peace and Love.
PS. Here’s a playlist I started on Spotify called Kindness, Empathy & Compassion.