Ways to Un-Kill Kindness Everyday

Welcome to the latest edition of Unlocking Your Greatness with Wendy Bjork. As an international bestselling author, inspirational speaker and guide to others, as well as founder of heartsofwellness.com, my mission is empowering others to find peace, joy and fulfillment by embracing simplicity.

Is It Time to Bring Back Kindness?

Any  season is a good time to recharge our batteries, and also a great opportunity to practice kindness. Whether it’s picking up trash in the neighborhood, writing a note to someone you appreciate or buying your coffee barista a beverage on a random day, small acts of kindness make a big difference.

When you show kindness to others, it is like a positive feedback loop that makes your own brain feel good. Researchers have found that the feeling of gratitude and the sense of interconnectedness triggered by kindness are linked to lower depression and greater life satisfaction. Being kind also promotes empathy and compassion, which in turn can inspire happiness.

In a world that seems more divided than ever, it is important to remember the power of kindness and empathy. We are all part of the human family and we need to treat each other with respect, especially when times are tough.

Research shows that the brain is wired for kindness. In fact, when you act kindly to another person, your own brain produces oxytocin. This bonding hormone has the added benefit of lowering blood pressure. The effect is so strong that oxytocin has been described as being cardioprotective.

Studies have also shown that the brain region of prefrontal cortex is biased to the left-hand side and this area is associated with positive emotions, such as kindness and compassion. It is a muscle that can be trained, and when you exercise it regularly, it becomes stronger and easier to access. So, if you practice kindness often, it can become your default emotional response.

The benefits of practicing kindness do not stop at the mental or emotional level, but have a real impact on physical health as well. Researchers have found that people who spend a lot of their time helping other people have a higher life expectancy than those who don’t. In a world of instant gratification, we forget that a simple act of kindness can make a big difference to the receiver. In addition, research has shown that people who witness kindness and compassion feel a similar uplifting feeling of “elevation.”

A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that businesses can reap rewards as well by placing kindness at the center of their strategy. Companies that focus on building a culture of caring and trust tend to perform better financially than those who don’t.

Getting started can be as easy as recognizing those you work with for going above and beyond, or simply telling them how much they mean to you. You could even practice the Take Time to Be Kind week to do a random act of kindness for a coworker or neighbor to let them know how much they mean to you.

Give yourself a boost by simply being kind and remember you might be the only person to make someone else’s day!

For a self-paced approach to life with Wendy’s support, you can head over to the Hearts of Wellness Membership Collective and begin your journey back to simplicity, freedom and wholeness!

As a best-selling author, inspirational speaker and Nationally Syndicated Columnist, Wendy Bjork empowers women to see beyond whatever challenges they are navigating.

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