Disasters such as COVID are an accelerator for change. Who knew that in a heartbeat face masks and social distancing would become the new global norm? Now, no matter who you are, or where you live, on some level, everything seems upside down, not right side up. To say that many of us on this planet could use a little cheering up may be the understatement of the year. Now more than ever how to share kindness often has become essential to supporting mental health initiatives that are aimed to maintain human connections during these challenging times.
Sharing acts of kindness are a fun way to spread cheer and joy, especially during uncertain times. They help us feel better and help those who receive them. Studies have “linked performing repeated acts of kindness to releasing dopamine, a chemical messenger in the brain that can give us a feeling of euphoria”.[1] Essentially, we feel better about ourselves when we treat others the way we hope to be treated. While kindness does not make you immune to negative feelings, thoughtful gestures can make you more resilient to uncertainty. This is because sharing kindness helps magnify positive emotions rather than negative ones.[2]
Sharing kindness often connects and rewards all of us. When we make it a practice to share kindness regularly not only are we helping others, we are helping ourselves in the process. Kindness is a super awesome way to support our communities to move forward, not backward, and stay positive during uncertain times. It also reminds us we are all in this together.
Super Awesome Safe Ideas To Share Kindness Often
Provide Encouragement
We all have people in our lives who are struggling with their self-confidence and questioning whether or not they are capable of completing something they would like to do. Being a cheerleader can help them reach their goals. We also all feel better when someone has a kind thing to say. Kind words are healing for the troubled soul; they have a positive effect on individuals who are stressed feel unappreciated, ill, tired, or just a bit anxious or depressed. Sometimes all it takes is someone else saying they believe in us to help make our dreams happen.
Organize A Virtual “Framily” Meal
Chances are you might know someone right now who is single, alone, or lonely-someone who would really appreciate sharing a meal together. Inviting that person to participate in a virtual “Framily” meal, (friends and family dinner), via Zoom, Skype, or Facetime, is a fun, easy, and safe way to connect. For some, it may be the only interaction they have during that day or week. It lets that person know you are thinking about them. It is also an effortless and safe way to express your gratitude for their friendship. Whether we are shoulder to shoulder, or physically apart, showing someone that you are in the moment, in a conversation, shows you respect and appreciate the other person. The gift of conversation is a gift of kindness.
Share Your Way Back Play Back Pictures
Create a collage or video of your favorite photographs to share with friends and family online so you can reminisce about some super fun times and share some smiles. Need inspiration? Check out Pinterest or Google “free image hosting” to source ideas for the best free image hosting sites.
Host A Virtual Class For Kids
Working at home can be a blessing—it can also be stressful for parents who are trying to juggle meetings with homework and homeschooling. It can also be stressful for kids who want to connect with their friends. Offering to do a virtual art lesson, craft session, or story time with neighborhood children helps give parents and kids a well-deserved break and stay connected.
Write A Love Letter
A handwritten note is a lovely way to show someone you care about you are thinking of them. If you are busy or like me, your handwriting is atrocious, there is always email. Dash off a thoughtfully worded communication to let another person know he or she is in your thoughts. Consider adding a picture, or memorabilia to round out the note
Celebrate Good News!
Pandemic or not, wonderful moments are still happening around us. There are, and will always be, weddings, recoveries, milestones, graduations, new babies, new jobs, accomplishments, victories, and anniversaries to celebrate. A letter, note, telephone call, video, drive-by wave, virtual card, text, or a homemade meal on a porch with a wave and a socially distanced smile are safe ways to acknowledge that we are all in this together, and moving forward as best we can.
Stay safe, and stay super awesome!
GUEST CONTRIBUTOR: Jane Enright is an ordinary person who has survived some extraordinary things. The founder of My Super Awesome Life Inc. Jane speaks to audiences seeking answers to overcome the fear of the unknown, grief, stress, loss, depression, anxiety, stagnation, indecision, sadness, and also the author of the new book, Butter Side Up™: How I Survived My Most Terrible Year and Created My Super Awesome Life. You can find Jane on LinkedIn and Instagram, and for more information, visit MySuperAwesomeLife.com.
