What is World Kindness Day?

The main principle of World Kindness Day is to look for ways to make kindness the norm in your everyday life. It encourages building a new routine that includes intentional moments of kindness, laughter, and delight, whilst recognising when these things are happening.

By intentionally working acts of kindness into our everyday routine, we begin to create a feedback loop of kindness for those around us. World Kindness Day seeks to promote modifying our lifestyles for the better.

Being kind during recovery

It turns out that being kind and compassionate towards others not only helps them, but us as well. Research indicates that people who are kind and compassionate are more satisfied with their lives, have better physical and mental health, and have stronger relationships. 

There are many ways that you can be kind and compassionate to someone who may need help. This includes:

• Being sensitive and sympathetic

• Creating a positive outlook and instilling hope

• Recognising and validating positive changes

• Helping them to solve problems

• Helping to reduce stress

• Helping with practical things, like medicines and appointments

The benefits of being kind

Generally, we feel good when someone is kind to us, especially those of us who are vulnerable, perhaps recovering from a physical or mental illness, or learning to live with dementia or experiencing grief and loss. Small acts of kindness can have enormous power for both the person being kind, and the recipient. Our wellbeing increases, we feel more connected to others, and our self-esteem improves.

Studies have found that kindness, compassion, and giving are associated with:

• Improved happiness

• Good mental health

• A stronger immune system

• Reduced anxiety, stress, and depression

• Improved relationships

• A longer life

Research also shows that the happiness we feel from being kind creates a 'positive feedback loop'. Basically, the more you give, the more positive you feel. This, in turn, fuels greater happiness. Also, people who witness or benefit from someone's kindness and compassion are more likely to be kind themselves. 

Focus Care hopes you enjoy World Kindness Day, and find value in completing an act of kindness for someone else. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us whenever you need. 

Thank you & take care, 

The Focus Care Team