It’s Mental Health Awareness Week here in Aotearoa New Zealand. Today’s theme is about giving. We like to receive gifts – how do we make that part of our every day approach to mental health awareness?
Our day-to day lives are hustle, bustle, and competition. We are so busy coming first that we sometimes forget the profound impact of a simple act of kindness. Sharing kindness does more than brighten the lives of others. It enhances our own well-being and mental health. Kindness adds a welcome polish to the success in our careers and personal lives.
Acts of kindness can be as simple as sharing a warm smile with a stranger. Or as heartfelt as dedicating our time to help a friend, family member, or colleague. The beauty of kindness lies in its ability to create a positive ripple effect. The effect extends far beyond the immediate moment of giving.
Boosting Happiness and Satisfaction
When we engage in acts of kindness, we experience a surge in happiness and life satisfaction. The act triggers our brain’s reward centre. It releases feel-good chemicals that boost our mood. These moments of kindness cultivate a sense of fulfillment that transcends the ordinary.
Purpose and Belonging
Giving to others provides us with a profound sense of purpose. It reminds us that we are not passive observers in our own lives. We can be active contributors to the well-being of our communities. Kindness strengthens our sense of belonging, fostering deeper connections with those around us.
Creating a Positive Work-Life Balance
Balancing work and life is a challenge many of us face. Incorporating acts of kindness into our daily routines can help bridge this gap. Consider taking a break from your workday to bake a treat for your colleagues. Offer a helping hand to a friend in need, or engage in a heartfelt conversation with a neighbour or coworker. These small gestures provide a refreshing pause in our busy lives.
Ideas to Spread Kindness
- Host a morning tea at work and share delicious homemade treats with your colleagues.
- Offer your time to assist a friend, family member, or elder in your community.
- Engage in meaningful conversations and en to those you encounter.
- Create personalised crafts or handwritten letters to brighten someone’s day.
- Share excess fruit from your garden with a “help yourself” sign.
- Take part in community clean-up initiatives or tree-planting projects.
- Donate unused items to local charities.
- Practice courteous driving and let others merge into traffic.
- Encourage children to understand the importance of kindness.
Today, September 19, 2023, marks 130 years of Womens’ Suffrage in Aotearoa New Zealand. How many days, how many ways has this one decision changed the lives of us all? Beyond measure.
Kindness is much the same. It’s a gift, pure and simple. Embracing kindness is more than a selfless act. It’s a journey toward personal growth, well-being, and a more balanced life. Today, consider how you can make kindness a part of your daily routine. When you bring light into others’ lives, you’ll discover that the radiance glows within you too.
Special thanks for the image by Trevor Romain © 2023
