Why The Simple Act Of Kindness Works!

Sometimes it can seem like the world is becoming a place where there is a growing lack of kindness.

People are in such a hurry, many appear self-absorbed and rudeness seems to be more commonplace.

The beauty of kindness is that it benefits both the giver and the receiver. Also, helping others is one of the best ways to make you feel good about yourself.

In this video, Ellen interviews Kelly McGuire, who shares a heartwarming story of kindness that will truly inspire!

The surprise ending is not to be missed!

Did you know that kindness is actually good for your body as well as your emotional state?

A University of British Columbia study asked people who suffered from anxiety to perform acts of kindness for others, at least six times each week, for one whole month.

These acts of kindness included doing chores for others, holding the door open, donating to charity and such.

And what do you know? The researchers found that kindness lowered their anxiety, lifted their moods and made them less anxious in social situations.

Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD, psychology professor at the University of California (Riverside) found that performing acts of kindness once a week led to the most happiness felt as a whole during and after that time.

Kindness releases oxytocin, the “love hormone”. This in turn helps lower blood pressure.

Kindness also significantly increases a sense of life satisfaction and purpose. Isn’t that what we’re all looking to achieve?

“We need more kindness, more compassion, more joy, more laughter. I definitely want to contribute to that.” ~  Ellen DeGeneres

Like Ellen suggests in the video, you can even create your own “kindness campaign”.

Some ideas might be:

Cooking a meal for an elderly neighbor.

Walk a friend’s dog when they’re at work all day.

Offering to help an overwhelmed mother with some housework.

Letting someone move ahead of you at the checkout when you see they have just a few items.

Paying the toll for the car behind you! Be prepared for some strange looks with this idea!

Real acts of kindness, with no expectation of anything in return, cultivate compassion.

Through this compassion, we increase our desire to help each other.

It’s a beautiful give-and-take that leads to greater understanding.

When your attitude is, “How may I serve you?” you will have more success in business and in all of your relationships.

You will go through the day with a warm feeling that you made someone feel better; and you will notice that your outlook on life improves.

Just as important as acts of kindness are to others, showing kindness to yourself is an equally HIGH priority.

You cannot wholeheartedly give to others if you don’t give first to yourself.

In order to be kind to yourself, take time every day (you must, must, must find the time if you looking for REAL transformation and change in your life) for YOU.

What do you love to do?

Then Go Do It!

Meditate (Here’s a Loving Kindness meditation technique), exercise, work on your goal, create, cook, nap, play… whatever feels good and right, just do it.

You can really make a difference in the world and make it a happier place simply by your acts of kindness!