F O R Y O U R H E A L T H

T E S S A U N D E R W O O D . C O M

KINDNESST E S S A U N D E R W O O D - Y O U R B A L A N C E D L I F E

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KINDNESS IS CONTAGIOUSThe positive effects of kindness are experienced in the brain of everyone who witnessed the act, increasing the likelihood of each of those people ‘paying it forward’.

KINDNESS IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEARTWitnessing acts of kindness produces oxytocin, often referred to as the ‘love hormone’, which aids in lowering blood-pressure and improving our overall heart health. 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.

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KINDNESS IS A NATURAL PAINKILLEREngaging in acts of kindness produces endorphins, the brain’s natural painkiller!

KINDNESS CAN TURN THAT FROWN UPSIDE DOWNOxytocin also increases our self-esteem and optimism. When you are kind to another person, your brain’s pleasure and reward centers light up, as if you were the recipient of the good deed—not the giver. This phenomenon is called the “helper’s high.” Like most medical antidepressants, kindness stimulates the production of serotonin. This feel-good chemical heals your wounds, calms you down, and increases your self-esteem and optimism- it makes you happy!

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PRACTICINGKINDNESS

With all these positive ‘side effects’ from kindness why wouldn’t you have it as part of your ‘health’ routine? It’s easier than you think to start consciously incorporating kindness into your day. I’ve put together a list of ideas that you can draw inspiration from to get your kindness juices flowing. What’s great about kindness is that you can decide how much time you have in any given day to devote to it and reap the benefits.

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KINDNESS IN A MOMENT

• Open the door for someone

• Give someone a genuine compliment

• Offer your seat to someone who might need it more than you on the train or bus (elderly, pregnant, someone wearing heels or looks like they’ve had a hard day)

• Buy someone their favorite morning or evening drink.

• Insert coins into someone’s parking meter.

• Help a child or older person cross the street

• Leave your server a generous tip

• Hold the elevator for someone

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THE 5 MINUTE FAVOR

• Write someone a thank you card

• Call your mom

• Buy someone flowers

• Offer a few minutes of help to a coworker

• Empty the dishwasher when it’s someone else’s turn

• Write a recommendation for someone on LinkedIn

• Write a review on a restaurant or book

• Ask a busy co-worker if you can pick up lunch for them

• Pick up litter when you see it.

• Write a list of things you adore about a friend and share it with them

• Take the time to listen to someone

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THE 1 HOUR+ FAVOR

• Make one of your special treats or meals for a friend or neighbor in need, or as a way to express your appreciation of them

• Call your mom (I’m putting this under the one hour plus group too b/c let’s be honest, they aren’t always short calls.)

• Do extra chores so whoever you’re living with has a little less to do that week.

• Offer to babysit for a single parent or for parents that haven’t had a date night in far too long

• Spend time with someone elderly and listen to their stories

• Donate your clothes and household items

• Spend time with your grandparents

• Mow the lawn for your neighbor

• Shovel snow for your neighbor

• Volunteer at a shelter (for humans or animals)

• Tutor at a local school

• Spend your time after work talking with your significant other with no device distractions (TV off, phones away/on silent, watches on silent (I can’t believe I have to actually say this one, but the Apple watch can be a serious distraction depending on the settings).