Why it Pays to Be Kind…

Can you remember the last time you did a kind deed for someone else? If you can pinpoint your last selfless act, congratulations. You’re an awesome person and the world is lucky to have you.

If you’re struggling to remember though, don’t worry. You’re not alone.

We live in a world where we’re expected to juggle so many things on a daily basis that we sometimes find it difficult to look after our own needs, let alone the needs of others. We live in a world where ambition, determination and a cutthroat attitude are prized over being kind, quiet and considerate.

From a young age we are told that in order to get anywhere in life, we need to be hard and possess the ability to look after ourselves.

This means that by the time we reach adulthood, we often have no concept of kindness. We don’t know what it is, why it’s important and why we should actively practice it.

If practiced properly (and without any expectation of a karmic pay-off further down the line) kindness can genuinely transform our lives for the better.

What Is Kindness?

Kindness is when you do something for another person without expecting anything in return. It comes from a good place and it is always totally selfless. An example of a kind act would be dropping the paper into your elderly neighbour because you know she can’t walk to the shop to get it herself. Do you get the idea?

The Benefits of Being Kind

There are lots of reasons as to why we should try and integrate kindness into our daily lives. Here are just a handful of them:

• Kindness has a positive effect on your overall well-being.
• It lowers your stress levels.
• It can completely get rid of feelings of depression, isolation and hostility.
• Being kind gives your immune system a massive boost.
• It can diminish the effect of any health issues you have.
• It promotes calm, relaxing thoughts.
• It promotes a positive, optimistic outlook on life.
• It increases your sense of self-worth and self-confidence.
• Kind people tend to live longer and happier lives than people who are selfish.

So as well as benefitting others, actively practicing the art of kindness can also improve your own physical and emotional health. Basically, it’s a win-win situation. Don’t believe us? Go out of your way to be kind to others for a week. If you don’t start feeling better about yourself within three days, we’ll buy a metaphorical hat and eat it (eh…metaphorically, of course).

Practicing the Art of Kindness

How can you transform yourself into a beacon of sheer kindness? Well, it’s actually pretty simple. All it requires is a bit of thought.

Think about all the people in your life. Now think of all the things you could possibly do for them that would brighten up their day.

All it takes is one small, selfless action. Maybe you could buy your Mam some flowers or maybe you could treat a friend to coffee? Maybe you could offer to help a friend move house or help your Dad clean out the attic?

The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative with how you go about expressing these small, random acts of kindness.

If you want to kick things up a notch, why not extend your kindness to strangers?  Offer up your seat on the bus, smile at everyone you meet or treat the girls in your office to some tea or cake – we’re sure you can think of at least a thousand other ways to express your kindness.

Remember we get back what we give out, so get your kindness on and watch your life change for the better in a few short days. You won’t regret it, we promise!