Key Takeaways:
- Boost Brain Function: Embrace daily acts of kindness to stimulate serotonin and dopamine levels, promoting a more vibrant brain and a sense of well-being.
- Balance Self-Care: During Be Kind to HumanKind Week, remember that practicing kindness to yourself is equally important as extending it to others.
- Positive Ripple Effect: Incorporating kindness into your routine not only benefits your brain and health but also creates a ripple of positivity that touches others’ lives.
I was inspired to write this because August 25-31st is Be Kind to HumanKind week (BK2HK). While this week is about giving and considering others, it’s essential to prioritize self-care too. As someone who has offered healing therapies for over 20 years, I believe in nurturing yourself along with extending kindness to others. It is difficult to help and be kind to others if you are running on empty.
What is Be Kind To HumanKind Week?
Be Kind to HumanKind Week was created in 1988 by Lorraine Jara after a sad story of two men in a boating accident in her hometown. It is meant to have a specific week to reflect on what we can do to help others with simple daily acts.
How does being kind increase my brain function?
Offering kindness (to yourself and others) can positively change your brain by boosting levels of serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters produce feelings of satisfaction and well-being, which causes your brain’s pleasure and reward centers to light up. This helps your brain function better.
Other ways it helps your brain and health:
- It creates social connections & and reduces isolation
- It helps you de-stress
- The more you do for others, the more you do for yourself
7 ways to embrace kindness in your daily routine:
- Forgive Yourself: Let go of negative self-talk and embrace self-forgiveness for any mistakes or regrets.
- Mend Fences: Reach out to someone you’ve had conflicts with, find common ground, and move forward positively.
- Positive Words: Share kind words with yourself and others, letting your positive inner voice shine.
- Balance Needs: Reflect on your wants and needs, ensuring a healthy balance in your life.
- Acts of Care: Offer help to someone in need, whether it’s running errands or spending time with them.
- Patient Journey: Practice patience and consideration while driving, creating a calmer and more empathetic road experience.
- Heartfelt Encouragement: Write down your dreams and goals, and encourage others in theirs, spreading positivity.
These daily practices can bring kindness into your routine, making a positive impact on your brain, life, and the lives of others.
The official daily suggestions of Be Kind to HumanKind are:
- Forgive your Foe Friday –This week, try to forgive someone who wronged you. This helps you to get closure and move forward with your life.
- Speak kind words Saturday – Say something nice and genuine. You will make someone’s day.
- Sacrifice our wants for others’ needs Sunday– Show others you care. Offer to run errands for someone with limited abilities or visit someone who can’t visit others.
- Motorist Consideration Monday –Practice patience & and consideration for others when driving. Keep that road rage in check!
- Touch a Heart Tuesday –Encourage others in their dreams or goals.
- Willing to lend a hand Wednesday – helping others can make you feel good about yourself. Offer to watch a neighbor’s house, pet sit, or water their lawn while they are away.
- Thoughtful Thursday – Treat others well. Let someone with fewer items cut in front of you at the checkout counter. Give your metro seat up to someone.
As the week wraps up, take a moment to observe any decrease in your stress levels and the overall sense of relaxation you’ve felt in your daily life.
I leave you with this…
“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.”
― Lao-Tzu
