10 Benefits of Doing Acts of Kindness

Scientific studies are now showing when we devote ourselves to others by being kind, thoughtful, empathetic, and understanding, rather than focusing predominantly on ourselves, we will make lasting changes to our well-being. 

Dr. Karyn Hall asserts in her article on The Importance of Kindness that "Being kind can strengthen your relationships and a sense of satisfaction in life." 

There are many benefits to doing acts of kindness; here is a list of ten:

• Reduces anxiety 
• Produces a contagious smile
• Remedy for the heart  
• Decreases stress
• Gives you the gift of choice
• Builds new friendships
• Creates lasting bonds
• Creates a kind identity 
• Brings people together 
• It comes back to you - karma 
  
  

So what are you waiting for, do these five acts of kindness this week, and improve your mental well-being!

1. Clean up after dinner. One night this week, clear all the dishes from the table, put the dishes in the dishwasher, and wash all the pans.
2. Say thanks to your trash collectors. Make a big thank you sign and tape it to your trash can, recycle bin, and green waste can. 
3. Bring cookies to your custodian. Bake a fresh batch of cookies and bring them to your custodian. 
4. Write kind messages. Using chalk write kind messages on the walkways at your school or in your community. 
5. Donate your old clothes. Clean out your closet and donate your old clothes and shoes to your community shelter. 
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Until next time... be thoughtful, be present, be kind.