News and Events

Random Acts of Kindness

Anxiety, Depression, Events

A new way to start the New Year

| By Erica Marriaga, MSW, LCSW

Photo by Random Acts of Kindness

Generous, Considerate, Caring, Charitable, Warm-Hearted. They all have similar meanings. In other words, KINDNESS.  Every year, the day of kindness falls on 2/17. It is ironic that it is right around Valentine’s Day. RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS WEEK is February 12-18, 2023!  

Random Acts of Kindness Day was inspired by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation (RAK), a nonprofit organization founded in 1995 in Denver, Colorado. They are rooted in the beliefs that all people can connect through kindness and that kindness can be taught. They follow a simple framework for everything they do: Inspire → Empower → Act → Reflect → Share. 

Showing Compassion to Others Impacts Mental Health Positively

According to Lara Honos-Webb from Psychology Today, “Did you know that doing nice things for others boosts your serotonin? Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that gives us the feeling of satisfaction and well-being. Most of the antidepressant medications work by increasing the amount of serotonin available to your brain. All of this means that doing nice things for other people changes your brain in ways that make you feel better.”

Likewise, when people are connected to one another, there is less time to think about what we might be anticipating or worrying about. There are several studies that have been conducted and the results appear to be inspiring.  Baking, cooking, and spending time with others who might be less fortunate than us, believe it or not, proves to decrease anxiety and depression.

Here are some ideas on how you can be kind to others:

  • Bake cookies for a friend
  • Bike instead of drive
  • Plant a tree
  • Send a nice text to an unknown number
  • Shand up for a friend
  • Clean your room
  • Switch to paperless mail
  • Send a postcard
  • Carpool to work
  • Donate your old clothes to charity
  • Bring toys to a children’s hospital
  • Call your grandparents
  • Share a recipe
  • Text an old friend
  • High-five a stranger
  • Babysit for free
  • Tell someone you love them
  • Adopt a shelter pet
  • Thank a teacher
  • Put a bird feeder in your yard
  • Write a good review for a local business
  • Volunteer
  • Hug a loved one
  • Hide a surprise in your favorite library book
  • Congratulate a friend
  • Practice patience
  • Give to a homeless person
  • Start a community garden
  • Bring soup to a sick friend
  • Compliment someone
  • Thank your bus driver
  • Pick up garbage on the street

And many more!

There is an abundance of ways to show kindness — to yourself, your loved ones, and the people you encounter throughout the day. Be creative and use your imagination.

If you find yourself struggling with motivation to be kind, a licensed therapist or counselor can help empower you to be your best self

 

Erica Marriaga is a proud fur-mama of her one-eyed rescue dog, Toby, and her puppy, Tucker. She loves to spend time with her son, husband, and bond with her family, nieces, and nephews. Erica is passionate and enthusiastic about her role as a therapist. EWC has locations in Manalapan and Shrewsbury, NJ, and accepts a variety of insurances.

EWC has locations in Manalapan and Shrewsbury, NJ, and accepts a variety of insurances.

Check out Erica’s professional bio here!

Email Us:  info@exceptionalwellnesscounseling.com

Call Now:  (908) 415-2042

 

NEXT STEPS & RESOURCES

Make an Appointment

We have therapists available seven days per week to accommodate your busy schedules. You may request a specific therapist or we will be happy to find you the best match. Call us or text us today at (908) 415-2042, or email us at info@exceptionalwellnesscounseling.com

Related Articles

Summertime Intention Setting

Helpful Ways to Set Positive Intentions This Summer | Written by Jane Dustman, LCSW Photo by SHVETS production via Pexels.com Summer is here and the opportunities are endless.  We have…
Read More

Wellness and You – Happy Together!

| Written by Gabrielle J. Davis, MSHS, MSMHC, LPC, NCC   Photo by Brett Jordan via Unsplash Our lives are driven by our daily routines that can consist of an…
Read More

Don’t Skip It, TIPP It!

| Written by Sam Schussler, MS, LAC Photo by Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash Do you find yourself incapacitated by intense emotions? Have you experienced intense anxiety, panic, or sadness? Are…
Read More
Our texting system is down. Please call our office or email your clinician instead. We’re sorry for the inconvenience.
This is default text for notification bar