Let’s all start a kindness epidemic
- col-kate-shumaker
- September 20, 2024
- 472
We’ve been through the COVID epidemic. We currently have an epidemic of loneliness, which has resulted from the isolation and protection measures due to COVID. What if we could make the next epidemic we face all about kindness? Doesn’t the world need more kindness?
This morning I had the opportunity to learn about kindness from Dr. Jeanette Maré, founder of Ben’s Bells Project and director of the University of Arizona Science of Kindness Community Collective. It was an eye-opening four hours of time. Let’s start at the beginning.
Nice vs. kind: In simple terms being nice may be driven by societal rules or expectations, self-serving, superficial or within your comfort zone. Acts of kindness often consider the needs of others and are motivated by true empathy, care and a desire to help. You are willing to be uncomfortable to be kind.
There is one more thing to consider when looking for acts of kindness. I think most people are familiar with The Golden Rule of do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This assumes everyone wants to be treated the same as you. Now consider The Platinum Rule: Do unto others as they would want done to them. This version, developed by Dave Kerpen, considers not everyone wants to be treated the same way.
Did you know there are true health benefits of kindness? I’m not kidding. Being kind to someone or receiving an act of kindness can improve your health. Something as simple as saying good morning and smiling can have positive impact — pausing to let someone cross the street, letting the person with an armful of groceries (or just one thing) go in front of you in line.
Kindness can increase our self-esteem, compassion, empathy and improve our mood. Physically, kindness can decrease blood pressure and cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone related to stress levels. Engaging in kindness also creates connectivity. It can connect us with others and decrease loneliness. It also can help improve our relationships.
In our brains acts of kindness can increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, boosting feelings of satisfaction and well-being. Additionally, when you show kindness to others, you may release endorphins, natural pain killers.
Remember to be kind to yourself also. Often, we are our own worst critics. Can you find ways to be kinder to yourself in the way you talk to yourself? Would you say the things you say to yourself to a friend or neighbor? Give yourself permission to practice self-care and gratitude.
By the end of the program I attended today, my challenge to myself was to find more ways to be kind and spread kindness. I’m going to extend the same challenge to each of you. Can we each ask ourselves: “How am I going to practice kindness today?”
Kindness can be catching. Do something kind and encourage others to do kind things. It can be good for you. It can be good for the person receiving the kindness. It can be good for people who witness the kindness. It can be good for the community. Start a movement. Be kind. Let’s create a kindness epidemic.
Kate Shumaker is an OSU Extension family and consumer sciences educator and may be called at 330-674-3015. Like and follow on Facebook @OSUEXTHolmes or visit at https://holmes.osu.edu.