Kindness Matters...Always!
Written by Megan
Whilst going through the stresses of day-to-day life, it is easy to forget that we all live in this world together. Focusing on ourselves and those closest to us, it is better to give than receive, as not only does this make a family member or a dear friend happy, but it makes you happy to see them smile. So why stop there? Why not extend this to a stranger? This week is mental health awareness week and we plan to promote just how important kindness is, not only for these 7 days, but every day of the year!
By kindness, we mean doing something for someone else, and often putting other peoples needs before your own. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant, nor does it need to cost a lot of money or time, however there is research to suggest that whilst helping someone else you are actually helping your own wellbeing by reducing stress, and ultimately improving your mood, self-esteem and happiness.
So how can this help you?
The health benefits for both yourself and the person who you have helped are many. For the individual who has received kindness, it could be the only good thing that has happened to them throughout a really bad day, and in some cases, you may be the only person they have seen or spoken to in days or sometimes weeks. This means that not only are you making them smile, but you are also reducing their loneliness and isolation. This could be the case for the person who has been kind too (A.K.A you), as helping other may encourage you to be active, and helping another may create and strengthen social connections (if you were volunteering for example). Helping others is a fantastic way to make new friends, become part of a community and overall find a sense of belonging you might not have had beforehand.
It is also important to remember that one act of kindness could inspire so many more! Have you ever been at a party and didn’t want to be the first up dancing, but as soon as someone else was on the dancefloor, there was no stopping you after that? A lot of people feel shy about being the first person to do anything, but someone has to be. And what better way than being the first person that reaches out and helps someone else? You never know, if you boost their confidence and self-esteem, then they may go on to do the same for someone else.
What are some ways to be kind to others?
Sometimes it can be difficult to know what can be considered as kindness, but it really could be anything. Checking on your elderly neighbour and asking if they need any help with anything, sending someone a card telling them you appreciate them, or even giving someone a small compliment. Kindness comes in all shapes and sizes, from a smile, to helping in a soup kitchen, all the way up to skydiving to raise money for charity! Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, you can help somebody out whilst maintaining a safe distance. This could include a smile and wave over the garden fence, a message via social media or grabbing a couple of extra bits whilst doing your food shops for someone who may be less able to make it to the supermarket. Popping these items on the doorstep with a little note may be all it takes to invoke a smile. The possibilities are endless and a combination of big and small actions from everyone can only make the world a better place.
As a final example of an act of kindness, we would like to say thank you to all our NHS and other frontline workers. Here at the Staffs Uni Career Studio, and across the entire university, we appreciate every single one of you and we hope kindness comes to you in leaps and bounds, regardless of whether you are a Staffordshire University student, alumni, or from anywhere else.
*Should you ever need any support with mental health, please do not hesitate to contact the wellbeing team at Staffordshire University, or alternatively (should you wish to remain anonymous, visit bigwhitewall.com. This is a 24 hour service that is free for all staff and students at the university, and you only need to tell them your identity should you wish to*
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