Throughout my professional career, I have learned many lessons from my coworkers that have helped me to become a better therapist. One of the most important lessons that I learned through a professional interaction is the importance of kindness.
Mark Twain once said, “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
One day, a couple of years ago, a co-worker and I decided to take a break together. This particular co-worker and I travelled a short distance to the vending machine to restock on our supply of M&Ms and Doritos.
After my co-worker selected her snacks, I reminded her not to forget her change. This co-worker told me that she was leaving her change in the machine so that someone else can have, “a little happy.”
The concept of giving someone “a little happy,” was new to me. Sure, I do nice things for others all of the time, but it was exciting to know that such a small and anonymous gesture can bring a smile to the face of someone else.
I found myself discovering new ways to exhibit small acts of kindness to others and those small acts of kindness subsequently allowed me to feel good about myself. Random acts of kindness, whether big or small, can increase self-esteem, energy, happiness, lifespan and pleasure.
As the days of 2019 roll by, I have reflected on how often I have had the opportunity to give “a little happy,” and ways that I can do more in the future.
This year, Saturday, October 5th is National Do Something Nice Day. Do you observe this day? If you don’t, I want to invite you to add this to your calendar.
Why? Because random acts of kindness have many benefits to our mind and body. According to randomactsofkindness.org, research indicates, random acts of kindness increase serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins. This in turn decreases pain, stress, anxiety and depression — in addition to lowering blood pressure. This is a two-way effect because as we complete acts of kindness the other person receives the benefits as well.
It take roughly 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic. Incorporating acts of kindness daily will bring lasting benefits. Below are examples of kindness that you can incorporate daily.
- Smile
- Hold the elevator or door
- Allow a driver to merge in traffic
- Give a compliment
- Pick up litter
- Listen
- Say “please” and “thank you
- Say “Good Morning” to your co workers
- Assume positive intent
- Stop a rumor
Mother Teresa said this, “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."
Never underestimate the power of kindness. If you would like to speak to someone about increasing kindness in your life or to be more kind to yourself, please contact Methodist Healthcare EAP at 901-568-5658 to schedule a free, confidential appointment. We are here for you.
Alice Hiatt, LCSW
Counselor
Alice Hiatt is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has experience working with clients with anxiety, depression and crisis situations. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern Mississippi. Alice is a native Memphian who began her career in Memphis at Youth Villages working with children who have severe emotional and behavioral problems. She has worked as a mobile crisis specialist working with clients experiencing mental health crises. In her spare time, she enjoys taking her dog on walks, reading, and going to concerts.