Random Acts of Kindness Week

Has it come to this? Are things really that bad? Do we really need to designate a specific week to go out of our way to be kind to others? Well, I guess the answer is yes because this year, February 12-18 is Random Acts of Kindness Week. So what's in it for you? There are actually health benefits associated with kindness.

According to Allan Luks in his book The Healing Power of Doing Good, scientific studies have shown that being kind can help you maintain good health. You get a "helper's high" from the release of endorphins - the body's natural painkillers - resulting in a decrease in both the intensity and awareness of physical pain. You become less hostile and the sense of well-being you get from being kind lasts for days after the act, additionally, whenever you remember the act that same sense of well-being returns. Finally, being kind actually helps to strengthen your immune system.

So what can you do? Well it's not easy to dictate to someone how to show kindness because situations vary from person to person. Also, the situation of the recipient of the act needs to be taken into consideration. Just use your discretion and try not to bite off more than you can chew. Look no further than your neighbor at home or work as a starting point, everyone appreciates a little kindness, and if you don't feel in the mood to be kind to others then think about the benefits you'll get from being kind and let that be your driving force!

Photo courtesy of Silverduk

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