The benefit of acts of kindness

What does kindness truly mean? The word is bandied about so much it's in danger of losing its value.
How many times have you scrolled past an inspirational Instagram post quoting 'Kindness is free, sprinkle it around like glitter'? Or sipped from a mug emblazoned with 'Be Kind'?

We are saturated with messages telling us to practise kindness but does it matter whether we are kind or not? The answer is, of course, yes. Not just because it makes for a more convivial world but from a mental health point of view - acts of kindness can make us feel better, on several levels.

As we head into the festive season - a stressful time for many - and the dark, cold winter months, could simple acts of kindness help to boost our mental well-being? Research by the Mental Health Foundation says so.*

Rescuing a worm from a puddle, giving up your seat on the bus for someone who needs it more, handing a homeless person a steaming hot drink, or volunteering at your local charity shop. Small acts of kindness come in many forms, which means we can all access the feel-good benefits in a way that suits us best.

And acts of kindness have one common theme - they involve putting someone else's needs above our own, which in turn, gives a sense of satisfaction to the 'giver'. Evidence shows that helping others, even in a small way like making a colleague a cuppa, benefits our mental health by releasing feel-good hormones.

Doing a good deed also helps to boost our self-esteem, improve our mood and reduce stress levels. We probably smile more while being kind, too. Kindness should feel like a two-way street and while being kind to others is rewarding, remember to be kind to yourself, too and don't give away more of yourself, either emotionally, physically or financially than you can realistically afford.

Kind acts are almost always reciprocated, so you could label it good Karma but research suggests other people around us notice our generous behaviour and model their own actions in a similar way. This contributes to more positive interpersonal relationships as well as congeniality among the wider community, so it's a win-win situation for everyone.

Far from 'Be Kind' being a memeable trope, true kindness unlocks the essence of what it means to be human, it gives us purpose. It serves to strengthen relationships, develop community spirit and deepen solidarity.

It is the glue that holds relationships and communities together and, as we head into the festive season, it is a 'gift' we can share without it costing us a penny. Every culture across history recognises that kindness is something human beings need to both experience and practise to be fully alive. The positive benefits may even help us to live longer.

Can you imagine a world without kindness? We can't.

*In April 2020, the Mental Health Foundation worked with YouGov to conduct an online survey of 4,246 UK adults. The foundation found that 63 per cent of UK adults agree that when other people are kind it has a positive effect on their mental health, and the same proportion agree that being kind to others has a positive effect on their mental health. The foundation's research also shows that kindness is an antidote to isolation and creates a sense of belonging. It helps reduce stress, brings a fresh perspective and deepens friendships. Kindness to ourselves can prevent shame from corroding our sense of identity and help boost our self-esteem.