Kindness - Why and How to be Kinder to Yourself and Others
Why is Kindness Important?
Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. But its true meaning is in how you choose to show it!
The beauty of kindness is in its simplicity. And the amazing thing is, it influences both the giver and the receiver. If you need extra motivation for doing kind acts, think about these inspiring benefits that it can bring to your life.
Kindness increases our mental, psychological and social well-being and fulfillment level.
Kindness makes us happier through the release of dopamine that gives us a natural high, referred to as “the helper’s high”.
Kindness is good for the heart and slows down the ageing process through the release of oxytocin, also known as the “cardioprotective” hormone.
Kindness is a natural antidepressant because it causes a release of serotonin in our brain.
Kindness improves relationships – we are genetically wired for kindness, and using it with the people around us can help us create new connections and strengthen and deepen the existing ones.
Kindness is contagious as it creates a ripple effect that spreads to the ones that surround us.
The Kindness Challenge
Bring kindness in your life in a mindful way!
Plan and put into practice two acts of kindness every day.
One directed towards yourself and one towards someone else in your life.
At the end of each day, spend some time to reflect on the impact your kindness has made on yourself and others.
How can you be kinder to yourself and others?
When you think about how you can be kinder to yourself, think about:
How you can improve your inner dialogue
How you can take better care of your needs
How you implement more of your self-care routine
How you can motivate yourself to move towards your goals
How you can understand your thoughts, emotions and behaviours better
When you think about kindness towards others, think about:
How you can help and support the people in your life,
How you can show more appreciation and gratitude
How you can spend quality time with your loved ones
How you can be more present in the activities that you do together
How can you reconnect, repair and deepen your relationships
Need more inspiration?
Take a look at some of the inspiring and meaningful answers that I received from the wonderful people that have filled up the Kindness Questionnaire. If you want to share your perspective on Kindness, take 5 minutes to fill in the questionnaire. I promise it will be such a great positive experience.
Kindness towards yourself
Spend quality time with yourself
Do activities that you enjoy and making time for your hobbies
Enjoy the little things in life
Have boundaries with your time
Take care of your health
Give yourself permission to not always be doing/achieving
Allow yourself to rest
Learn to love yourself
Forgive yourself for your mistakes
Tell yourself you are enough
Do not put so much pressure on yourself
Give yourself time to improve your abilities and skills
Have patience with yourself
Try not to be too hard on yourself
Try not to compare yourself to others
Give yourself space when you need it
Listen to the needs of your body and your mind
Forgive yourself if you don't live up to your own (high) standards.
Remind yourself of the things that you can be grateful for
Kindness towards others
Offer your help
Show encouragement
Spend time with your loved ones
Be present physically and mentally
Do an unexpected act that shows that you pay attention to their needs
Let someone know you are thinking about them
Express and show love and affection
Make thoughtful gestures
Give advice when requested
Offer feedback
Be there when they are going through difficult times or have difficult emotions
Empathize and put yourself in their shoes
Actively listen to them
Try not to judge or criticize
Accept others as they are
Assert yourself in a clear manner
Ask what they need and how they feel
Give them space
Accept their limits and boundaries
Spread positive energy around
If you want to discover even more ways in which you can bring kindness in your life and how you can become kinder with yourself, get in touch.
We can schedule a 30 min. online free session to discuss your needs and goals and make a plan of how we can work together.