There’s an old saying that says, “Kindness is contagious.” Being kind and doing kind things light up the brain’s pleasure centers for the person being kind and the recipient. 

Kindness triggers the brain to release serotonin and oxytocin. Serotonin makes you feel happier, and oxytocin makes you feel close because it’s a bonding hormone.

According to research, kindness spreads kindness. 

Whether it’s opening a door, paying for the person’s coffee behind you, or simply smiling and saying “hi,” kindness spreads. 

How far-reaching can helping others be?

Everyone Benefits

It feels good to be kind and brighten someone’s day. It’s called the “helpers high.” 

And, of course, the recipient enjoys being treated kindly – to be thought of, acknowledged, and cared for. 

Kindness creates a cycle of good feelings that ripple outward to others. 

Thanks to the hormones serotonin and oxytocin, it feels so good to be kind that you want to do it again. 

And the recipient wants to pass along the good feelings you’ve brought to life within them, so they pay it forward. 

Observers Benefit

People who witness kindness in action benefit from something called “moral elevation. “Moral elevation is a positive emotion experienced when witnessing a virtuous act, one that improves the welfare of others (Algoe & Haidt, 2009).” 

Moral elevation is a feeling of warmth and expansion accompanied by admiration and affection for the person doing the kind act.  

Kindness creates certain feelings in everyone involved in the act, whether giver, recipient, or observer, because of the positive feelings created within the peripheral and central nervous systems. 

The warm, sometimes euphoric feelings created by these neurophysical connections make you feel like doing something good, perpetuating the cycle of kindness. 

Social Learning Theory

According to social learning theory, the study of how groups interact, people behave similarly to what they observe modeled in their peer group or their families. It’s kind of the whole “birds of a feather” kind of thing.

Children raised in caring families with displays of kindness believe compassion is the norm and are likelier to display those traits. 

Kindness is potently contagious when practiced within social groups. 

With the holidays upon us, it’s easier than ever for you to make a difference in your corner of the world by blessing others with random acts of kindness. 

If you want the world to be a little bit kinder, happier, and warmer, then be kind, happy, and warm to those around you, whether they’re friends, family, or strangers. 

The deck is stacked in our favor when it comes to being kind – it’s almost as if it takes more work and effort to be unkind. So, make an impact! And ignite change, leading with kindness. 

The post Lead & Inspire With Kindness appeared first on Lifestyle.

Now, I’m not sure how you feel about your roots and how you got here. Maybe your story is cheery and optimistic because you come from a loving family. Or maybe your story started on the other end of the spectrum with setbacks and struggles.  

I don’t know how you got here, but you’re here. And regardless of what you’ve been led to believe is true about who and what you are and your potential, your life matters, and you’re pretty remarkable; the world is a better place because you’re in it.

Not only have you been given the gift of life, but you also have the freedom and privilege to decide how you’re going to live your life.

So, in celebration of life and hope, I’m inviting you to join me in celebrating random acts of kindness this month in honor of loving moms and caregivers everywhere.

Benefits

Random acts of kindness benefit you and the people you help. When you volunteer your time, energy, effort, or money to help make someone’s life better in some small way, your body triggers the release of serotonin, the “happy” hormone. People who help others report feeling what they describe as the “Helper’s High.”

Random Acts of Kindness Ideas

Since thinking up ideas can be tricky, we’ve made a list for you! Some items on the list won’t cost a penny and only take a few seconds of your time. Others are a bit more involved. Do whatever you’re most comfortable with, or choose your own random act of kindness that inspires you.

• Smile warmly and open the door for a stranger.
• Pay for someone’s groceries at the market.
• Call to spread happiness to someone who is elderly or isolated.
• Sort through clothes you don’t want or need and give them away.
• Leave money in a parking meter or vending machine.
• Befriend a new employee and treat them to lunch.
• Volunteer for a local organization that needs help.
• Give groceries to a family in need.
• Visit a family in your faith community going through hard times.
• Send a sympathy or get-well card or care note to someone.  
• Smile and say “hi” to at least one person every day when you’re out and about.  
• Give compliments.
• Pay for the person’s food behind at the drive-through.
• Let a supervisor know when an employee rendered fantastic service.  
• Pack notes in your kid’s lunch, letting them know they’re awesome and how much you love them!
• Donate a night of babysitting for new parents.
• Offer to watch a newborn for a few hours so the new mom can sleep.  
• Take an hour to clean up your street, park, or beach.
• Visit lonely nursing home residents; maybe take them treats on their birthday.
• Send a card thanking someone who’s made a big difference in your life.
• Make a layaway payment for someone who’s behind.  
• Participate in a fundraiser for a worthy cause, like a 5k.
• Mow the lawn or see that it gets mowed for an elderly neighbor.
• Take a young person under your wing to mentor them.
• Volunteer as a big brother or big sister.
• Help someone stranded on the side of the road (be safe).
• Be there for someone who’s having a bad day; listen.

I’m sure you can think of many more random acts of kindness of your own, but hopefully, this list will inspire you to do something to make the world a little bit brighter. Adding a little bit more love and hope to someone’s life doesn’t take much at all. And it’ll feel so good that chances are you’ll do it again and again until it becomes a life-long habit.

The post In Honor of Loving Moms: Enjoy Random Acts of Kindness This Month appeared first on Lifestyle.