Doing something nice for someone else always feels good, but did you know that there is actual science behind how it can help with physical ailments? Kindness is scientifically proven to decrease pain, lower blood pressure, increase energy, and even increase your life expectancy. From a mental health standpoint, kindness has been clinically proven to decrease stress and anxiety, help with depression, improve confidence, boost your mood, and decrease loneliness. Showing kindness to those around you is not a substitute for mental health care, but it can be a great addition to your mental health self-care regimen!
When they said love is a drug, they weren’t kidding!
The feel-good hormones associated with kindness are addictive - not just for the giver, but also the receiver. As you probably know, being on the receiving end of kindness can make your day and even your whole week; maybe that’s why kindness spreads so well. Here are some creative ways you can spread kindness near and far:
- Pay for the person behind you - This is a popular way to show someone kindness, and often this ends up being a way for others to keep paying it forward.
- Send a card or letter - It may be a bit old-fashioned, but sending a handwritten note is a simple way to let someone know you’re thinking of them. Don’t wait for a special occasion to let someone know you care.
- Have doughnuts or pizzas delivered to your local first responders or hospital - Healthcare workers are working extra long shifts lately, along with grappling with staffing shortages and burnout. You can help boost morale, boost energy, and let them know that you’re thinking of them by having food delivered. Focus on foods that are easily eaten standing up and without utensils.
- Deliver toiletry items and socks to your local homeless shelters - This is an amazing way to support the local homeless population in your community. You could call ahead to your local homeless shelters and ask what items may be needed, or go with general, high-demand items such as shaving supplies, menstrual care products, dental care products, hygiene products, socks, gloves, lip balm, lotion/sunscreens, non-perishable snacks, and more.
- Sponsor someone in need during the holidays - Consider sponsoring a child, family, or elderly person during the holiday season. To find more information, contact your local aged-care facilities or Salvation Army. Churches also often have information on local families in need.
- Donate to children’s hospitals - A little-known act of kindness is delivering goodies to pediatric wards or children’s hospitals. You can ease stress by making a gift package for a parent whose baby is in the NICU (chewing gum, vending machine quarters, a small journal and pen, gift cards for gas or food, lotion, a small book of puzzles). You could also make hats for NICU babies, purchase and donate a rocking chair, or provide a plaster hand/foot molding kit. For older children, small toys and hand-held single-player games, puzzle and coloring books, crayons, reading books, socks with popular characters on them, journals or stationary, simple/easy craft kits, and scrapbooking supplies are among the most wanted items.
- Donate to animal shelters and rescues - Shelters and animal rescues are often in need of supplies and volunteers! Some of the most-requested supplies are pet food, treats, chewing bones in all sizes, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, toys of various sizes, cat litter, and dog grooming supplies.
- Adopt a food shelf - Most communities have food pantries. Consider adopting a shelf or donating! You could also organize a food drive.
- Support your community - A simple yet often forgotten way to spread kindness is to support your local businesses, organizations, and artists. You can even support them without spending money by following/sharing their social media or leaving a supportive review.
- Ease a burden - Offer to purchase a take-out or delivery meal for someone. This isn’t just for when someone loses a loved one! Anyone going through a rough time would appreciate the kindness of you feeding them or their family.
- Tip with kindness - Service industry workers are underpaid, overworked, and have suffered greatly during the pandemic. Consider giving a generous tip to a service worker as often as your financial means allow.
If you’re looking for some zero-dollar ways to spread kindness, here’s a list of ideas to fit any amount of time you have:
- Check in on someone
- Donate unwanted clothes & items to homeless or emergency shelters
- Give compliments
- Clean up trash at your local park
- Take out your neighbor's trash can
- Run an errand for someone
- Volunteer your time for a good cause (animal shelters, food pantries, meals-on-wheels) - for more on finding local volunteer opportunities, visit VolunteerMatch.org
- Give blood
- Arrange a virtual meet-up with friends or family you haven’t seen in a while
- Tell someone you are proud of them or thankful for them
- Share a motivational or uplifting post on social media
A little goes a long way
In a time when we’re extra vigilant on not spreading germs, we should remember to spread kindness as far and wide as possible. Studies have shown that when people witness a kind act, they are highly likely to perform a kind act for someone else. Kindness helps relieve tension and create better human connections, even if you’re not in the same room! Practicing patience and gratitude are simple acts of kindness that have the potential for a huge impact. The next time you’re stuck in the line for a little longer than you’d expected, consider showing kindness instead of irritation. Random Acts of Kindness Day is February 17th! So it’s a perfect time to start making kindness part of your health (and mental health) routine! For more on how you can spread kindness, visit Kindness.org and RandomActsOfKindness.org.
Be kind to yourself
Don’t forget to show kindness towards yourself. Prioritizing self-care, and supporting your mental and physical health are the best ways to show yourself the kindness you deserve. If you’re in the California or Nevada areas, consider supporting or improving your mental health as a way of showing yourself love and kindness. Contact Medens Health via our online portal or by calling/texting (833) 624-5400 to find a licensed counselor or therapist.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical or mental health. If you don’t currently have a therapist, we can connect you with one who is qualified to give you safe, professional, and ethical advice regarding your mental health.
If you or someone you are responsible for is experiencing a medical emergency, is considering harming themselves or others, or is otherwise in imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1 and/or take them to the nearest emergency room.
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