We heard this week that the University has given us another two extra annual leave days to take in July. That is a fantastic gesture and it encourages us to get some rest and relaxation at this difficult time. I believe it is a perfect example of a random act of kindness; the Executive Group didn’t need to do it but they have recognised that it will help us.
How are we reacting to this? A lot of us will be very happy and accept the gift with gratitude. We may even feel so enthused that it will stimulate us to ‘pay it forward’ and carry out our own act of random kindness. There is research to show that hormones beneficial to our health are released when we are involved in acts of kindness. They are released when we receive kindness but, significantly, the effect is even greater when we act with kindness and carry out the good deed. Further detail on this can be found in the articles and TED talks linked below.
Research shows that there is extra good news for women. Apparently, females are more likely to engage in volunteering and charitable works and it is possible that this altruistic tendency contributes to why women tend to live longer than men. (This works alongside other physiological factors). The longevity and better health could be related closely to the beneficial hormone release associated with kindness and care-giver’s activity.
There will have been some of us, when we heard about the gift of the extra days off, who viewed it negatively, thought it was pointless, that it would only mean that work would mount up. This represents a double negative. Thinking this way means you will miss out on the good hormones associated with receiving an act of kindness. Also, research has shown that having a positive or optimistic attitude to life itself intrinsically improves mental and physical health and wellbeing. You can read more in the links below.
You don’t have to get involved in complicated and expensive acts of charity to get these benefits. Simply genuinely smiling at someone unprompted can trigger the release of those good hormones. Take some time to give some thought to little changes you could try.
The Power of Kindness: Roxie Nafousi on www.medahuman.com
The Power of Kindness; Kind Leaders Shaping the Future: Vanella Jackson on www.hallandpartners.com
The Healing Power of Kindness: Professor James R. Doty on Huffpost
The Science of Kindness by Life Vest Inside: YouTube
The Science of Kindness by randomactsofkindness: YouTube
The Reason Why Women May Live Longer Than Men: Kindness: Grazia online
Optimism and your Health: Harvard Men’s Health Watch, Harvard Health Publishing online
How Optimism Improves Your Health by The Mayo Clinic, YouTube