In a world where you can be anything, be kind
“In a world where you can be anything, be kind”
Kindness is an Asset
Did you know that Random Acts of Kindness Week is celebrated annually in February?
“Everyone thinks you are really kind” - I remember a few years ago getting this feedback from a peer. And I repelled it! I wanted to be kickass - being kind felt sappy, fragile and mild…
Fast forward to now and I see being kind as an amazing asset to have especially in the coaching world.
Kindness is not a weakness – it’s one of my top values!
I am always teaching my kids about the importance of being caring and kind towards others. At the airport recently, it took us almost 3 hours to check in, and when we finally got through, our youngest daughter hugged the person who eventually checked us in and boarded us on the flight – the flight attendant said that her gesture had truly ‘made their day’.
Kindness is not all about the big memorable moments or grand gestures; there are huge benefits in the small and random acts too, such as; holding the door open, paying for someone’s coffee, saying thank you, leaving a post-it note, sending a card, cookies or flowers…
Small random acts of kindness can have a huge impact on our brain health.
According to a recent article in The Times, Acts of Kindness 'can be better than therapy' for depression and anxiety - a study suggests that performing kind acts can reduce depression and may benefit some people more than therapies such as; cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), offered by the NHS.
As a Neuroscientist, I agree that there are huge health benefits and healing that can come from random acts of kindness and helping others. *I obviously still advocate therapy and coaching!
Today reported on the same study, saying that; “The study involved 122 participants with elevated anxiety or depression symptoms who were randomly split into three groups. Two of the groups were assigned to practice CBT techniques, such as planning social activities, and the third was assigned to engage in acts of kindness. The participants in the kindness group were asked to perform three small acts of kindness two days a week for five weeks. Participants did things like bake cookies for friends, smile at strangers and volunteer… Folks who participated in the acts of kindness group reported that they felt less depressed, less anxious. All three groups reported greater life satisfaction and a reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms, but participants in the acts of kindness group showed the most improvement, according to the study authors.”
Kind acts can help with our innate desire for social connection and it can also have a huge impact on our life satisfaction. In a nutshell, kindness helps us enjoy the journey - there is a real power in being present and engaging with the world around us, one kind act at a time.
I always lead with compassion and kindness. As a coach I am non judgemental with my clients - I have to be otherwise I wouldn’t be a true coach.
The reality is that we never know what is going on for people – kindness is the best starting point!
One of TV Presenter, Caroline Flack’s final Instagram posts read: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind” – this was shared just two months before she died of suicide and the #BeKind hashtag was then shared by millions.
I am not perfect (who is), but I am consciously always reflecting and learning to be more mindful and kind towards others.
We can all be that bit kinder to others.
We can all examine our behaviour and step away from negativity.
We can all take a moment to think before we respond or react.
We can all check in with others more.
We can all do more random acts of kindness.
Finally, we can all also be kinder to ourselves too.
“In a world where you can be anything, be kind”
Sources:
Today.com - Jennifer Cheavens, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at Ohio State University and a study co-author, told TODAY in a segment aired Jan. 20. https://www.today.com/health/mind-body/acts-kindness-may-ease-depression-anxiety-symptoms-better-therapy-rcna66690
