Being kind: How to be part of the ripple effect
It’s World Kindness Day on the 13th of November and it got us thinking here at KBPT… with everything that’s going on in the world, is being kind more important than ever?
“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions
and the roots spring up and make new trees.”
Amelia Earhart
Research shows that kindness has many benefits, not just for the recipient but also for the person who does the kind deed. Being kind can reduce stress and lower our blood pressure. It releases happiness hormones and helps us to bond with other people. It can even improve our heart health and slow down the aging process. Scientists call this ‘psychological flourishing’ – it’s where the action of showing kindness has a positive impact on our wellbeing.
“Do your little bit of good where you are;
it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
Desmond Tutu
Every day, we see horrific stories about war, poverty and crime in the news and on social media. But, if we look closer, we also see great kindness. Take the charity 52 Lives , which aims to change someone’s life every week of the year. It’s based on the premise that people are inherently good and that lots of good people working together can achieve amazing things. Or look at the running community GoodGym, whose members run to visit isolated older people and help out with community projects. What a fantastic way to combine fitness with kindness.
“You can be rich in spirit, kindness, love and all those
things that you can’t put a dollar sign on.”
Dolly Parton
Here at KBPT, we’re all for random acts of kindness, however small. How about buying a coffee for someone in need? Giving up your seat on the tube? Or calling a friend to see how they’re doing (don’t text… you know it’s not the same!). It doesn’t take much but it can make a big difference. And when we’re kind, we can inspire other people to be kind. It creates a ripple effect.
So, on World Kindness Day and beyond, we hope you’ll take a moment from your busy lives to put someone else first. As Dolly says, you might not be able to put a value on kindness but it will definitely make you richer.
KBPT is all about positive vibes. Find out how we can help you to live your best life.
