“Random acts of kindness, however small it may be, can transform the world.” -Amit Ray
My son brought home a kindness checklist from school one day and it caught my eye. It was called “The Great Kindness Challenge“. It was an initiative to prevent bullying and improve school climate by increasing student engagement.
After scanning the list, it made me interested enough to try it myself. I have to admit, some of the challenges seemed awkward. But my curiosity was strong enough to want to take it on and find out what would happen after the challenge.
I decided to craft my own challenge for 40 days. Just a few days after starting the random acts of kindness challenge, I experienced the immeasurable power of kindness for both giver and receiver. I also learned that it was anything but awkward.
Before I talk about my 40 days of kindness, I want to go over the basics.
What Is Kindness?
Merriam Webster defines kindness as the quality or state of being gentle and considerate. It might seem like a virtue for the meek, but I found that it requires courage and faith.
Why Is It Important To Be Kind?
Studies have shown that kindness for others is instinctual. Compassion for oneself and others boosts feelings of happiness and lasting well-being. It is no wonder that in the midst of the 2020 pandemic, random acts of kindness are popping up in numbers, despite the panicked behavior we’ve been witnessing.
What Are The Benefits Of Kindness?
According to the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, there are scientifically proven benefits for acts of kindness.
- Acts of kindness release oxytocin.
Oxytocin is a hormone, also known as the “love hormone”. Studies have shown that it relaxes the body, lowers blood pressure and promotes warm and fuzzy feelings in people.
- Increases energy.
A study, by Dr. Christine Carter at Greater Good Science Center in UC Berkeley, revealed that people felt stronger and more energetic after helping others.
- Acts of kindness boost happiness.
Research has shown that almost all acts of kindness support happiness and well-being and has a positive chain reaction of kindness.
- May increase lifespan.
A study of high blood cholesterol and heart health in rabbits in 1978 revealed a phenomena known as “The Rabbit Effect”. A researcher found that when she pet and spoke to the rabbits as she fed them, it meant the difference between a heart attack and a healthy heart.
- Increases pleasure.
According to a study done at Emory University, acts of kindness light up the pleasure and reward centers in the brain. This effect is known as “Helper’s High”, making it addictive as well.
- Releases serotonin
Research has shown that acts of kindness helps to release serotonin, a hormone in the brain. Serotonin promotes feelings of happiness and peace, which in turn supports immunity during times of stress.
Now that you know more about what kindness is and how it benefits you, I’ll share what I learned after my 40 day challenge.
What I Learned After 40 Days Of Acts Of Kindness Challenge.
1. Acts Of Kindness Take Courage.
I did not know if people would be receptive to my acts of kindness. This was especially true one morning while I went shopping soon after the state of California went on lockdown during the global pandemic.
People were panic shopping, snapping at each other, and making rude comments about others while shopping for groceries.
Grocery workers were understandably stressed, angry and worried. When I asked my cashier how her day was going, she hesitated for a minute.
Then said it was not too bad today. She grinned when I wished her well and she wished me the same.
2. Acts Of Kindness Are Intentional.
It is a choice to want to be kind to yourself and to other people, especially during times of stress.
I have to admit that I couldn’t see how carrying out acts of kindness would make a difference when fear seemed the most salient of emotions.
Then I remembered how uplifting it felt to be kind for both the receiver and myself, so I made sure to be more intentional to keep giving it to and receiving it from others.
3. Acts Of Kindness Can Cause A Chain Reaction.
Let’s jump back to my story of the cashier at the grocery store. After I asked her how her day was going, the customer behind me must have overheard our conversation.
He jokingly remarked that he was able to find some water and pointed to his bottle of Tequila. The 3 of us laughed really hard and I suddenly felt light.
The stress and tension from shopping was that much easier to bear. One might have thought we knew each other by the way we were talking, laughing, and wishing each other well.
It was nothing short of magical to observe how one act of kindness can spark more kindness as well as moments of joy.
4. There Are Different Types Of Kindness.
I discovered that there are different types of kindness. One is witnessing an act of kindness, which is as uplifting as doing one yourself.
Another is bestowing an act of kindness to yourself, which is as important as showing an act of kindness toward someone else.
Let me use my family as an example. One morning, my oldest, who is 10, made breakfast for his younger brother, who is 3.
When I praised him for his random act of kindness, he grinned wide and gave me 2 thumbs up. It was a small act of kindness to witness, yet I felt profound joy at watching my son take an initiative to help someone without being asked.
As for me, I have to remind myself to do an act of kindness toward myself, no matter how small, because it truly makes a difference in how I feel and affects the way I treat others.
5. We Crave Acts Of Kindness In Times Of Adversity And Stress.
There are more and more stories in the news of people engaging in acts of kindness during the pandemic.
Essential employees and health care professionals make the decision everyday to go out to work because they choose to.
One man who was laid off from his job at Knott’s Berry Farm made hundreds of face shields from his garage to donate to health care workers.
Neighbors are helping one another out by leaving food and essential items on doorsteps. Social media sites are encouraging acts of kindness in feeds, posts and tweets.
I learned that times of adversity and stress can bring out the worst in us but they also can bring out the best in us through random acts of kindness.
Last Thoughts.
During stressful times, random acts of kindess are useful because they not only lift our spirits but our overall health and well-being.
It takes courage and intention to show kindness and it doesn’t have to cost a thing. A simple thank you note on your door or positive message on your sidewalk can cause a chain reaction of kindness and make a word of difference in someone’s day.
Thanks for reading and please share your stories of acts of kindness.
