September 17, 2023
Do You Want To Increase Your Own Happiness? Then Be Kind!
“The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer someone else up”
Mark Twain wrote that and he was right.
Most of us assume that when we practice kindness by saying and doing nice things to others, we are making them a favor, but here is the secret: acts of kindness lights up your brain in the areas associated with pleasure and reward, and oxytocin, the happy hormone is released in your body which causes your own happiness to soar. Research shows that random and conscious acts of kindness help deepen your relationships and build more positivity around you especially with your family, friends and at work.… causing joy and happy emotions to become contagious.
It is deep-rooted that practicing random acts of kindness and giving make us happier. Helping others helps you find a sense of meaning and improves your mood. Giving, whether in your personal or professional lives connects you to people in ways you might not expect and can generate real happiness for you as well as for them.
Here are 5 ideas you can get started with:
Pick one day a week to practice random acts of kindness. Set a goal, like 5 acts in one day. it can be a small act like opening the door or bringing someone a coffee or it can be a bigger act like giving a ride or offering help on a project.
Plant a tree, do something positive for the environment.
Donate your time, mark one day a month on your calendar to volunteer in an NGO. Know where and how to allocate your time and energy to support a good cause.
Host a happiness dinner or lunch to create beautiful memories and meaningful experiences with loved ones.
Reach out to a friend or someone at work who needs a helping hand or a listening ear and just be there for them.
The mere act of giving is an act of love, and the only expectation you need to have is the good feeling it will give you afterwards so your motivation has to be an intrinsic desire to help someone rather than being focused on what you are going to get out it.
Be kind and thoughtful today because Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make an impact. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver. Take a minute and think what could you do to brighten someone else day? Now go and do that thing.
Kindness is a virtue; it is one of our core strengths always express it with awareness. Kindness is a wonderful way to let another struggling soul know that there is still love in this world.
How did u show kindness in your life today?
What is your next happy act?
Linda Chaccour