Generous, Considerate, Caring, Charitable, Warm-Hearted. They all have similar meanings. In other words, KINDNESS is the theme of the day on February 17, 2022. Not only do we think about others on this day, there is a RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS WEEK, February 13-19, 2022!
Random Acts of Kindness Day was inspired by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation (RAK), a nonprofit organization founded in 1995 in Denver, Colorado.
Mental Health Benefits of Showing Kindness Toward Others
1. Making others feel good with kindness can be really rewarding by making us feel great about our actions. Practicing kindness also has a profound effect on our own mental & physiological health, helping us to become happier and more compassionate towards others. Being kind to others has been known to help boost our own immune system, slow down aging, elevate our self-esteem, and improve blood pressure.
2. Both practicing and witnessing acts of kindness can help reduce blood pressure by producing oxytocin, known as the ‘love hormone.’ Oxytocin causes the release of nitric acid in the blood vessels which effectively expands the blood vessels, thus reducing blood pressure.’ Self-esteem, a better outlook on life (optimism), and a healthy heart are benefits of kindness.
3. A 2010 Harvard Business School survey of happiness in 136 countries found that people who are altruistic—in this case, people who were generous financially, such as with charitable donations—were happiest overall.
4. Like most medical antidepressants, kindness stimulates the production of serotonin. This feel-good chemical heals your wounds, calms you down, and makes you happy!
Participate in Random Acts of Kindness Day
According to Rachelle Stubby, at Random Acts of Kindness (RAK), here’s how you can get involved:
- Participate in this year’s coloring contest and receive a 2022 RAK Day sticker. On RAK Day, Thursday, February 17, 2022, RAK will randomly select 5 entries to receive a RAK Day poster, lapel pin, 2022 KINDNESS CALENDAR along with a Make Kindness the Norm sweatshirt, water bottle and baseball hat (valued at over $100).
- Receive a daily dose of self care from RAK’s Vice President by connecting with daily text messages – 303-529-2494
- Become part of the kindest community by joining the Random Acts of Kindness | RAKtivists® group
- Check out the Random Acts of Kindness | Random Acts of Kindness Day 2022 with kindness ideas, quotes and other fun resources for Random Acts of Kindness Day.
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 two rescue dogs, Toby and Tucker. She loves to spend time with her husband and bond with her family, nieces, and nephews. Erica is passionate and enthusiastic about her role as a therapist.
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