Being Kind Is Good for Your Health
When one is stressed and anxious, as many are these days, it can affect the way we act towards those around us. But here is the good news: being nice to others is one way of releasing stress and lowering anxiety in ourselves! This means that being kind is a real WIN-WIN, so let’s look at some easy ways to raise the wellbeing of your own precious self while doing that for the world around you.
You’ve heard the phrase “Random Acts of Kindness”? Well, how about we recreate the acronym RAK into “Regular Acts of Kindness”? That way, we ALL get the benefits, ALL the time. Remember, humans are happier when we are kinder.
Here are some important lists; I know that once you read them, you’ll be on your way.
“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference.” ~ Helen James
10 Health Benefits of Being Kind
Improves low mood.
Decreases blood pressure.
Lowers the stress hormone cortisol.
Boosts your serotonin.
Raises dopamine levels.
Increases oxytocin, our brain's feel-good hormone! This helps to reduce inflammation (which is linked to numerous diseases).
Activates the pleasure/reward centres in your brain.
Reduces blood pressure, protecting the heart.
Eases your own and someone else’s social anxiety.
Strengthens social connections, which supports your own survival.
These are just a few of the many boosts you can give yourself by giving to others!
15 Brilliantly Easy Ways to Be Kind to Others
Smile at people; it costs nothing, uplifts your own spirits, and you never know how making someone’s day a little brighter may impact their entire life.
Listen to people when they speak – really listen.
Compliment people whenever you can. Make sure it’s sincere, though!
Do volunteer work if you can.
Donate blood if you are able.
Send out a kind email, direct message, or even a real card!
If you see someone struggling, offer to carry their packages for them.
Ensure that friends who are ill or having a difficult financial time have what they need.
Help someone out in a practical way, without being asked.
Donate second-hand clothes, furniture, or toys.
Donate financially to worthy causes, and the biggest donation of all, if you can – become an organ donor!
Encourage those who are uncertain or unmotivated.
Let someone into your lane while driving.
Share your food or snacks with a co-worker or someone in need.
Drop off presents at the closest charity donation centre.
10 Ways to Be Kind to Animals
Adopt, don’t shop!
Speak for those who have no voice – use your social media!
Spay or neuter your pets.
Make sure your pets have identification in case they run off.
Spend quality time with your pets; playtime brightens their days!
Ensure your pets eat well. Cheap dry food can be ruinous to their health. Provide plenty of clean, fresh water. Investigate raw feeding for carnivorous animals.
Teach your children to respect all life forms. Educate them on their duty to care for other beings on this planet.
Teach them how to care for an animal’s wellbeing, from feeding to cleaning to basic health awareness.
Support your local animal shelter by offering your time and energy.
Make financial donations if you are able.
If you see anyone mistreating ANY animal, please report them! Wherever you are in the world, just google “local animal welfare” and make contact. Follow through until some action is taken.
10 Ways to Be Kind to The Planet
Plant a tree in memory of a loved one.
Put expired food in a compost bin to help that tree, and your garden, grow.
Don’t trash things like boxes, containers, plastic bags, tissue paper, and bubble wrap. Reuse is the word of the day!
Pick up litter even if it’s not yours.
Donate, upcycle, or resell items.
Use natural light; spend more time outside to reduce electricity use.
Be water-wise! For example, don’t let the tap run while brushing your teeth, and keep a bucket in the shower to catch water for your plants.
Go paperless as far as you can.
Use a reusable water bottle or tea/coffee cup.
Research local sustainability initiatives in your area and join others who are doing the same!
3 Top Tips on Being Kind to Yourself
Meditate or simply spend quiet time indulging in kind thoughts about all the wonderful aspects of yourself.
Be kinder in your own self-talk (Once you become aware of this, you’ll be amazed at how rough you can be on yourself.)
Practise gratitude. Being kind to yourself includes seeing how kind the universe has been to you.
Bonus Kindness Tip: Make A Cuppa Tea!
Of course, one of the kindest everyday things you can do is pour someone a delicious, reviving cuppa when they really need one. So go for it, make someone’s day with this simple gesture.
Taka Turmeric Teas are born of love, created with care, and kind to the planet and humans! Read our post on our eco-friendly packaging, from tag to bag.
Thank you for the kindness of reading this whole blog. Let’s celebrate the season with a new addiction, one that will serve us and everything around us all year round… RAK, Regular Acts of Kindness!
To Your Vibrant Health and Beauty!
The Taka Team
