With everything going on in the world, it is important to pause and remember to be kind to ourselves and others. On Sunday, November 13th, 2022 we celebrate World Kindness Day, and consider how we can be more kind to ourselves, and others.
Many of us spend our days providing care for others and put our own needs on the back burner. Kids, work, pets, and family responsibilities all demand our attention we can burn out quickly, leaving little time or bandwidth to focus on our own needs. Because of this, the first tip on my list is to be kind to yourself.
Once you have put your own oxygen mask on, think about how you can spread a little sunshine to others. Remember, small acts can have a big impact.
5 Tips for Spreading Kindness
1. Be Kind to Yourself! Catch negative self-talk and flip the script. Here is a great article with tools to make positive self-talk a habit.
2. Do a little extra. Small favors can make a big impact for others. What may be a small effort for you may mean the world to someone else.
3. Offer thanks! When someone does you a solid, let them know what it means to you. This can be as simple as a “thanks”, or a bouquet of flowers for the person who came through in an emergency. Keep a box of blank Thank You cards handy to offer thanks for gifts, business referrals, etc.
4. Make a donation! Whether it is your time, money, or maybe last year’s winter coats; donating to your local registered 501(c)3 charity is a wonderful way to spread kindness. This time of year many non-profits are seeking donations for specific items, or holiday gift sponsorships. Contact your local Community Action or Volunteer Center for more information.
5. Connect with a friend. Between busy schedules and social media, it’s far too easy to lose “real-life” contact with friends. If you have a friend you haven’t heard from in a while, invite them out for coffee or a walk in the park. In-person socializing and exercise are great remedies for the wintertime blues, and opportunities to spread a little kindness.
