THE LANGUAGE OF KINDNESS
In A World Where You Can Be Anything, Be Kind
By Agnes Aui
The maxim that goes, “a little bit of kindness goes a long way” is a powerful act and this, evidently, is backed by science. Practising kindness is shown to buffer stress and improve the health and lives of everyone involved. The act of kindness doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. It can be as simple as sharing a snack with a co-worker or helping an elderly person cross the road. Being kind is essentially choosing love over hate, light over darkness and compassion over judgement, so with the following tips, lets help make the world a kinder place.
#1 FIRST, BE KIND TO YOURSELF
In order to impart kindness to others, you first have to be kind to yourself. Stop the negative self-talk and instead, take care of your body like drinking 8 glasses of water or exercising. You can also pursue your passion or practise your hobbies because that will in turn, uplift your mood and boost that serotonin.
#2 REACH OUT TO OTHERS, BE FRIENDLY
It doesn’t take much to be friendly, yet friendliness is sometimes hard to find. If you know your friend is going through a hard time, call him or her up and offer your companionship. You can also spend time with your grandparents or an elderly relative who could use the company. Just having a lighthearted conversation or taking the time to talk shows someone that you care. You might not realise it but reaching out, is an act of kindness. By repeatedly doing it, you’ll realise the magic of connecting with others.
#3 LITTLE ACTS OF KINDNESS GO A LONG WAY
There are so many moments in our lives if not hundreds to practise kindness. You can start by making breakfast for your parents or during your commute to work, allow another car to go in front of you. Hold the door open for the person behind you, share a snack with a co-worker who forgot lunch or smile at someone who appears to be having a bad day. These acts can actually boost your mood and have positive ripple effects.
#4 GENEROSITY IS GOOD
In the midst of the current pandemic, everyone is surely having a tough time, especially financially. If you are able to, be generous financially. We’re not saying you have to empty your wallet or bank account, instead, you can give your Grab rider a generous tip when you order food or buy ice cream for your colleagues on Fridays or pay the coffee bill for the person behind you.
#5 DON’T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS IF SOMEONE IS BEING UNKIND
Hurt people hurt people, the saying goes. If some people are unkind to you, there must be a reason that is triggering their behaviour. Many people carry a baggage of trauma with them so instead of being so quick to judge, have some compassion because they might be going through a difficult time.
#6 GRATITUDE
As an exercise of gratitude, think of a person in your life who has been kind to you and send that person text to meet for coffee or a chat. Acknowledge such individual’s kindness to you by either buying them coffee or merely telling them because it will be amazing for them to hear from someone who says that they have impacted your life, even in the smallest way.