Random Acts of Kindness Week

The week of February 9th has been coined Random Acts of Kindness Week.  It is a week 
dedicated to raising awareness for kind acts towards others.  We all know, and research has shown, that one act of kindness leads to another.  Being kind to others also causes a "helpers high".  Helpers' high is a term coined by psychologists to describe a euphoric feeling, followed by a longer period of calmness, experienced after performing a kind act.  The physical sensation results from the release of endorphins, and is followed by a longer-lasting period of improved emotional well-being and sense of self-worth, feelings that in turn reduce stress and improve the health of the helper.  When we engage in good deeds, we reduce our own stress -- including the physiological changes that occur when we're stressed.  Ultimately, the process of cultivating a positive emotional state through pro-social behaviors -- being generous -- may lengthen your life.   All of the above reasons give us even more reasons to be kind to others this week and every week after.  Kind acts can be as simple as giving someone a smile or a helping hand. 


So this week take a minute to do a kind act for others - the list is endless but here's a place to start. 

*Leave a complimentary note for a loved one or colleague
*Put that lonely grocery cart away
*Hold the door open for the person behind you 
*Help someone
*Beautify your surroundings by picking up trash in your yard or on your street
*Speak kindly
*Be on time
*Thank someone
*Renew a friendship
*Share a snack
*Shovel for your neighbor
*Forgive someone
*Talk to the sales clerk

See if these acts of kindness leave you feeling just a little bit happier!

Sources:
www.wedmd.com
www.randomactsofkindness.org
www.wikipedia.org