During our 31 day focus on YOU we have been looking at ways to improve our health and well-being. We have been ticking off our list of things to do for ourselves and to be more mindful of ‘self-care’.
Our sense of well being both mentally and physically can also be enhanced by helping others. Showing random acts of kindness or ‘paying it forward’.
I was reading an article in Psychology Today about Random Acts of Kindness and studies undertaken at Stanford University by psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky show:
“There are a lot of positive social consequences to being kind—other people appreciate you, they’re grateful and they might reciprocate,” Lyubomirsky says.
I’ve been visiting my MIL in her aged care facility and have decided to volunteer a few hours a week. Since moving to a retirement home inFebruary, she has made many friends and I find that whenever Mike and I visit, sometimes we only need to say a quick hello to some of the other residents and the smiles and joy in their eyes is so touching.
In this world where everyone is ‘so busy’ with little time for others it makes such a difference to show others kindness.
There are many ways to pay it forward even to strangers with ‘random acts of kindness’. People are pleasantly surprised and feel hope that there is still some goodness in the world. Although I did read in the article I mentioned above that some people are initially suspicious when a stranger shows them an act of kindness.
Lyubomirsky also noted that being nice can become boring. Another study she conducted reported
those who varied their acts of kindness, showed bigger increases in mood than those who repeated the same act over and over
5 reasons you should pay it forward
- When we focus on others our problems don’t seem as overwhelming
- There is a mutual happiness between the ‘giver’ and ‘receiver’
- We feel good because we are helping others
- We feel the positive energy flowing for both the ‘giver’ and ‘receiver’
- We see an improvement in our mental health and well being
If you would like to read the full article in Psychology Today just click on the link: https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200607/pay-it-forward
How could you brighten someone’s day today?
44 Comments
Sweet reminder of the many years I worked in long term care. I was initially afraid to face all those “old People” with disabilities and frailties. But my heart was captured by their endearing smiles and appreciation for the smallest of efforts. Kindnesses of every sort are so needed in this world. Even talking to someone a few moments, or cutting flowers and taking it to several people, showing a hobby you’re working on, reading…opportunities for sharing are endless and valuable! Thanks for the reminder!
You have nailed it Sharon. That is how I feel when I visit my MIL and the residents are just happy to have someone give them some time even if it is only for 5 minutes. Have a great day!
This is a great reminder for all of us. Even the smallest act of kindness can make a huge difference. Can you imagine the results if we all did just one kind thing today?
I guess I don’t tend to think of it as ‘paying it forward’ rather for me it’s more about being considerate of others or treating others as we’d like to be treated – being respectful or just doing something to make others’ lives easier. I’m not sure I’m naturally a thoughtful person, or if I am I second guess myself too much. But if I don’t and I do make an effort it can be very rewarding to receive a smile in thanks or to have lightened someone’s load just a little. #teamlovinlife
It is rewarding Debbie and I know we don’t do it for that but it certainly is a lovely by-product of showing kindness to others. Enjoy your weekend! x
I think this is a lovely way to pay it forward. There are so many aged people in nursing homes that never get visitors which is extremely sad. I like to pay it forward by being involved in a couple of charity organisations that I believe in. The first one is ‘Share The Dignity” and the second is called “Baby Gives Back”. Both charities are doing wonderful things for homeless and women in crisis by donating the necessities to make their lives a little better.#TeamLovinLife
Helping others even in a small way brings a warmth to the soul doesn’t it Kathy? Have a beautiful day my friend and enjoy the weekend. x
I’m a great believer in Self-Care and random acts of kindness to others falls under that umbrella of self-investment/self-care. I don’t know that I’ve done anything today that could pass as kindness to others besides reading some blog posts and leaving some thoughtful comments? I know that when my mother-in-law was in a nursing home (she is sadly now deceased) many of the other residents were so envious of her having so many family members visiting her regularly. Many of them sadly have no visitors! I always made an effort to smile, say hello and have a bit of a chat with some of the others. It would make their day and was not any extra effort on my part. It made me feel good to see their eyes come alive and the smiles on their faces. #TeamLovinLife
I’m finding that like you Min, a quick hello and a smile is all some of the aged really need. It doesn’t cost me anything but I just feel happy when I leave the aged care home because I’ve made someone feel good. I also agree that Self-care and random acts of kindness are under the same umbrella. Have a great weekend, Min!
You are so right Sue – it doesn’t take much to make someone else’s day special does it? I love that you’ve found a special spot for yourself at your MIL’s new home – it helps lessen the change for her and also makes some of the other oldies feel happier too. I could probably do more on the random act of kindness front – but I do try to remember to think of others as often as I can and where possible to say or do something kind if I can.
I think your mentoring work with children is wonderful Leanne and yes I think I’ve found my niche working with the ‘oldies’. They don’t need much just a smile and a hello can sometimes make their day. x
I don’t think of it so much as paying it forward as karmic. I’m a huge believer on what goes around comes around & seriously, it’s far easier to be considerate, respectful & generous than it is to be otherwise. As always, thought provoking – which is what I enjoy about your posts.
Hi Jo yes I believe in karma but I also like to think that I genuinely just like to be kind and generous of spirit. As you say it is far easier to be considerate and respectful. I don’t understand why some people find that so hard. Thanks for the encouraging words and have a great weekend ! x
I love the quote you used Sue, that no act of kindness however small, is ever wasted. It says it all to me and I try to show kindness in any way I can. Your posts are always so positive and show your kind spirit very clearly! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Yes such few words Deb but they certainly pack a punch and explain what kindness really is.
excellent reminder for us all. I see the pure joy on my son’s face when he does something nice for someone else. It really makes your day! a pure happiness.
Yes it is such a warm feeling to know that your child is a caring human – you have done a great job in parenting. Have a beautiful day and thanks for stopping by x
Sue, you are so full of energy and I love what you wrote here! The thing about kindness is that it is free to give and receive, and when given the untold rewards to all are simply wonderful! Bless you for volunteering your time. I’m grateful for the volunteers that work at my mom’s nursing home (and of course, the hardworking staff). I have exhibited kindness to my university students, and they are always astounded by it. Mentoring college students is a joy and shame on other professors for being unkind or non-communicative! thanks for the positive message today, Sue!
Oh thanks Terri and I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post. I used to teach ballet many years ago and it was lovely to see the students progressing through my nurturing and teaching. Have a beautiful weekend and thanks for stopping by to visit. x
Thanks for the reminder as to what’s truly important.
Thanks for visiting and I hope you have a lovely day! x
Kindness is not only good for society it’s great for our soul .Good bad and ugly karma is balanced in this life time .Life has a way of helping us do more .Very motivating post .
So true Amrita we get so much back ourselves when we show kindness to others.
Sue, the world needs so much kindness these days. It is empowering when we believe that we can make a positive difference in someone’s day by doing some small act of kindness. I think that it comes back to you in many other ways. Thank you for spreading some goodness!
Thank you Michele. Imagine if we all just spread some kindness the world would be a much happier place. Have a lovely weekend and enjoy. x
Yep! Love it. It definitely has a flow on effect too. The positive energy activator is such that the receiver becomes more likely to want to keep it flowing onwards. It’s the gift that just keeps on giving.
Yes I agree Leanne there is a flow on effect. Imagine if we all thought that way! x
We do pay it forward at the school where I work. It does wonders for boosting morale!
What a wonderful example for the children to follow Roseann. Have a lovely day x
I love this so much. My kids and I love doing random acts of kindness. It makes you feel so good!
Hi Mandi! It is so great that you get your children involved and are setting them such a wonderful example of caring for others. Have a beautiful day xx
I love the concept of paying it forward Sue. Anything I can do to make someone’s life a little bit easier is great. I try to be kind and thoughtful wherever I can. I also find it rewarding to do things for others without the expectation of anything in return. #TeamLovinLife
It doesn’t take much effort really, does it Lyndall. However, it is rewarding to know you might have made someone’s day. Have a beautiful week! x
Nice to find somebody else who enjoys reading Psychology Today! I often borrow it from my local library 🙂
Yes they have some very interesting articles as you would know, Janet. x
Thanks for an uplifting reminder about the power of kindness and consideration for others. I see it all the time in the community in which I live and when I travel to other places, too. Really — most people are basically kind to others and considerate of other people’s circumstances. It’s the unkind people who get our attention because we are shocked by their actions and their words.
You are right Carol. We seem to only notice the unkind people don’t we? I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post and have a lovely day xx
Wonderful post. It costs zero dollars to be kind. 🙂
So true, kindness or even a smile costs nothing but gives us so much 🙂
🙂 🙂
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No Good deed ever goes unpaid in this life, coz its banking in your spiritual bank. Loved this post Sue. Thanks for sharing with us as always 🙂
I like your first sentence Julie about ‘your spiritual bank’. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend. xx