Kindness is a quick pick-me-up and you can try it at home

Feeling low? Go do something for someone else. Not kidding.

Generosity reduces stress, improves immune system response and helps the heart and improves mental health, says Dr. James Doty director of The Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford.

And it doesn’t take much to make a difference. You don’t have to suffer or sacrifice. You don’t have to go without so that others can have. Though, it is a good idea to share the remote on occasion – and yes, I know this CAN be a sacrifice. But, generally compassion is always affordable, available, and demands little time. An “open heart” is all that is required, Doty says.

Bottom line: You have more to lose by NOT acting compassionately, he says.

Still, we fuss and worry that we can’t make a difference, won’t do enough to  ease the suffering in the world; feed the hungry; facilitate peace in the Middle East – so we do nothing. But, the power of giving is  is in the small acts. A quick smile, sincere thank you. A love note.

With that kindness, we touch each other and connect with our own essence.

Ready to connect with your compassionate side? Here are some easy-peasy ways to brighten somebody’s day , including your own:

Leave the change in the pop machine at work


Send a note telling someone what you appreciate about them


Mow the neighbor’s lawn


Deliver meals to the elderly


Make a meal for a friend


Take your car to a student car wash and leave a big tip


Donate money to the local food bank


Pack a special lunch for your partner or child


Leave a love note for your spouse


Take a friend’s kids for a few hours Friday evening so she can have a “Date Night.”


Look the people who serve you in the eye and offer a sincere “Thank You.”


Tell someone when they’ve done a good job


Apologize, genuinely, when you’re wrong


Make a special lunch for someone you care about


Drop off a load of groceries for someone who doesn’t have a car

See it isn’t all that hard. What will you do today to add a bit o’kindness to the world?

 

Note: The post originally ran in July of 2011, but I don’t think kindness will ever be outdated.