Holding the door for someone, asking someone how they are doing and genuinely waiting for their response, verbalizing aloud your gratitude for another's specific act. These are just some (of an infinite list of examples) that could take less than a minute and make an impact on your day (and another's day).
Kindness is a type of behavior marked by acts of generosity, consideration, rendering assistance or concern for others, without expecting praise or reward in return.
What is the psychology behind the random acts of kindness?
David R. Hamilton, acts of kindness create emotional warmth, which releases a hormone known as oxytocin. Oxytocin causes the release of a chemical called nitric oxide, which dilates the blood vessels. This reduces blood pressure and, therefore, oxytocin is known as a “cardioprotective” hormone.
Random Acts of Kindness Triathlon | The Science of Happiness
21 related questions found
What is the most famous random act of kindness?
Christmas Truce
By far one of the most well-known, and heartwarming acts of kindness was the Christmas day truce between English and German troops in 1914 during the First World War. After five months of battle on the Western Front, troops on both sides called for a major truce on Christmas day.
Can one's mood be affected by a random act of kindness?
Everyday simple acts of kindness can contribute to boosting your mood, reducing stress, and possibly alleviating symptoms of depression or anxiety. In addition, what might seem like a small kind gesture could have a greater impact than you might think.
“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” -oscar wilde. Today I was reminded of the importance of the smallest kind act: a simple smile, holding the door open for someone, saying hello, giving a compliment, lending a hand, being a friend.
Regardless of the act, kindness is rooted in these four principles: awareness, unconditionality, non-judgment, and action. First and foremost, in order to be kind, you must be aware of all the various times and opportunities to be kind to others.
Buy a warm meal for someone in need. Help someone struggling to carry their grocery bags. Stop to assist someone who looks lost. Say something encouraging to a parent who's struggling with rambunctious kids in a restaurant or grocery store.
Kind, gracious, kindhearted, kindly imply a sympathetic attitude toward others, and a willingness to do good or give pleasure. Kind implies a deep-seated characteristic shown either habitually or on occasion by considerate behavior: a kind father.
The Kindness Curriculum is structured for children to develop the following attributes: empathy, gratitude, perspective, honesty, self-compassion, self-acceptance, humility, collaboration, mindfulness, meditation, trust, affiliation and humour.
Engage students in a discussion about what kindness means to them, and ways they have experienced kindness in the past. Then, introduce the three different types of kindness (towards yourself, others, and the world around us).
Most people grew up with the old adage: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Best known as the “golden rule”, it simply means you should treat others as you'd like to be treated.
Doing good deeds for others can help with symptoms of depression or anxiety, new Ohio State research shows. David Cregg, PhD graduate, and Jennifer Cheavens, professor of psychology, published the study recently in The Journal of Positive Psychology.
