Mental Health Awareness Week: Kindness
It’s the seventh and final day of Mental Health Awareness Week, so we’re finishing off our series of articles by focusing on this year’s event theme: kindness.
We all know that being kind to someone can brighten their day and strengthen the relationship you have with them. In fact, small acts of kindness can have an enormous impact on the world overall, as happiness spreads very quickly. In tribute to MHAW, we’re taking a look at the benefits of kindness and why it should play a crucial role in your everyday life.
Better mental health
Needless to say, someone who’s having a bad day can be greatly cheered up by an act of kindness. The format of this can range enormously, from large surprises such as a party in honour of their achievements, to a simple chat that allows them to take a weight off their shoulders. By being kind to someone, you help to alleviate their stress and anxiety, shoo away any depressive thoughts, make them feel valued, and turn their frown upside down, potentially for the rest of the day.
Stronger friendships
Kindness is at the core of every friendship. The key is to understand how kindness should be used, such as the difference between being kind and fawning over someone. A friendship built on kindness still has room for honesty, straightforwardness and disagreement where necessary, as without these it will lack integrity. However, by combining this openness with genuine kindness, you and your friends can discuss important issues and each have your say, simultaneously respecting one another’s right to have a unique opinion.
Good example for kids
Being kind just for the heck of it is a brilliant lesson for children. Again, kindness doesn’t have to mean spending money or putting on big events, it doesn’t even need lots of time and effort dedicating to it – something as simple as holding the door open for someone, showing your gratitude, helping to carry a heavy item or checking if they’re okay is enough to leave a lasting impression.
Witnessing kindness makes us feel better
Imagine you’re at work and one of your colleagues does something kind for another one. It has nothing to do with you, yet chances are it will make you feel better too. This is because witnessing acts of kindness causes us to feel more relaxed, happy, appreciative and altruistic ourselves. You could liken it to watching a movie where someone tells their parents how much they love them – we bet you pick up the phone and call your own once the credits are rolling!
One good turn deserves another
It’s important to be kind simply because you think it’s the right thing to do, rather than giving in order to receive something in return. However, those who make kindness a natural part of their day are very likely to experience it themselves, as people enjoy reciprocating acts that make them feel good. This makes for a happier life and better mental wellbeing all round, with everyone looking out for one another and making the world a better place on a daily basis.
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Don’t forget that our chosen charity for this year is Mind, which offers help and support to anyone struggling with their mental health. If you’d like to make a donation, please visit out JustGiving page,
