6 Ways to Practice Kindness

Leading the kindness train by reframing the situation can derive healthy rewards

From the LifeMinute.TV Team
 

December 28, 2023

One of the greatest gifts we can give another person is kindness. Try these practices daily and discover how being nice to others can benefit your mental and physical health. 

Be A Good Listener 
Actively listen and provide your undivided attention. Being fully present and providing someone else the ability to express their thoughts without interruption or thinking about what you will say next should make them feel listened to and valued. This sense of connectivity and belonging is helpful for both of you, reducing sensations of loneliness and isolation, which are associated with mental decline as we age. 

Practice Forgiveness 
It’s easier to be nice when you have good feelings about others. Forgiveness is an active process in which you consciously determine to release negative emotions, like hostility and resentment, whether the person who wronged you merits it. This process can increase your level of compassion. Forgiving yourself is also significant, allowing you to foster a more upbeat mindset. 

Offer a Helping Hand 
Reaching out can encourage others to join in with their own generous deeds. The more you do for others, the more you do for yourself. People who give of themselves in a balanced way tend to be healthier and live longer. Offer to wash your neighbor's car or clean their yard, donate time to a shelter, or babysit your nieces and nephews or the child of your single-parent friend. 

Express Gratitude and Empathy 
Research suggests gratitude and empathy can have many health benefits, including lowering a person’s inflammatory response and improving mood. Simple acts like smiling, conveying a “thank you,” or holding the door open for a stranger can elicit a more positive attitude, which may build coping skills to help you better manage daily hassles and challenges. Also, try to see things from the perspective of others and what you can proactively do to respect their needs. 

Avoid Over Criticism 
Being overly critical can be a breeding ground for all-consuming negative thoughts. Reframing a situation can create a more optimistic outlook, ushering in a more thoughtful, patient sensibility. It can also decrease blood pressure and lower cortisol levels. If someone does make a genuine mistake, rather than becoming critical and frustrated, see the experience as an opportunity to help them. 

Be Kind to Yourself
Being nice doesn’t mean being a pushover. Setting reasonable boundaries can improve your relationships while securing your own mental and emotional health spaces are respected.