Today is the first day of Mental Health Awareness Week 2020. This year’s theme was originally going to be ‘Sleep’. Although quality sleep is important to maintain positive mental health, in light of the pandemic the Mental Health Foundation decided to change the theme to ‘Kindness’.
So why kindness? Kindness strengthens communities and relationships. It is a cornerstone of good Mental Health. Showing or receiving kindness raises our vibration and lightens our hearts. It helps reduce stress and deepens friendships. It boosts our self esteem and promotes feelings of confidence and optimism.
So what does kindness mean to you? Perhaps you are helping a neighbour by getting shopping, or maybe you are the one receiving help. The world has warmed to the kindness of Captain Tom Moore as he walked his garden to raise funds for the NHS, wouldn't it be amazing if that kindness could spread further and touch every community in in the UK? Let’s spend this week creating the sort of society we wish to see emerging from the pandemic and put kindness at the heart of all we do. This pandemic has given us the opportunity to change how we interact with others, to press the reset button on society and to rewire a kinder society that better protects our mental health. All from the comfort of our own homes.
Doing good makes you feel good! If you don’t believe me, try it. Think about the people singing songs on balconies in Italy, groups formed on social media to support the vulnerable, volunteers calling folk they have never met, just for a chat, delivering prescriptions and groceries to those who are unable to leave home. Being kind and compassionate improves our own wellbeing and happiness, reduces stress and may even help us live longer.
Random acts of kindness can still be carried out during lockdown or while social distancing . Why not pick a few from these ideas to try this week, or think of some yourself and see how you feel afterwards? We would love to hear about your kind acts in the comments section.
Have fun and remember, “In a world where you can be anything, just be kind" . (Caroline Flack 2019)
Much love Jan
18th May 2020
So why kindness? Kindness strengthens communities and relationships. It is a cornerstone of good Mental Health. Showing or receiving kindness raises our vibration and lightens our hearts. It helps reduce stress and deepens friendships. It boosts our self esteem and promotes feelings of confidence and optimism.
So what does kindness mean to you? Perhaps you are helping a neighbour by getting shopping, or maybe you are the one receiving help. The world has warmed to the kindness of Captain Tom Moore as he walked his garden to raise funds for the NHS, wouldn't it be amazing if that kindness could spread further and touch every community in in the UK? Let’s spend this week creating the sort of society we wish to see emerging from the pandemic and put kindness at the heart of all we do. This pandemic has given us the opportunity to change how we interact with others, to press the reset button on society and to rewire a kinder society that better protects our mental health. All from the comfort of our own homes.
Doing good makes you feel good! If you don’t believe me, try it. Think about the people singing songs on balconies in Italy, groups formed on social media to support the vulnerable, volunteers calling folk they have never met, just for a chat, delivering prescriptions and groceries to those who are unable to leave home. Being kind and compassionate improves our own wellbeing and happiness, reduces stress and may even help us live longer.
Random acts of kindness can still be carried out during lockdown or while social distancing . Why not pick a few from these ideas to try this week, or think of some yourself and see how you feel afterwards? We would love to hear about your kind acts in the comments section.
- Call a friend instead of messaging.
- Remind someone how much you appreciate them.
- Think of someone you are proud of and why. Tell them.
- Place a dish of fresh water at your gate so passing dogs can have a drink.
- Donate to a charity or food bank.
- Offer to pick up essentials for a neighbour.
- Help with a household task that you usually leave to someone else.
- Send an interesting article to a friend.
- Praise a colleague or friend for something they did well.
- Say thank you to key workers and mean it.
- Ask an isolating neighbour if you can walk their dog.
- Smile at twenty people on your daily exercise.
- Feed birds in your garden.
- Litter pick on your walk.
- Send someone a hand written letter or home made card.
- Start a conversation with a neighbour over the fence.
- Give an honest compliment.
- Treat yourself . You are important too.
Have fun and remember, “In a world where you can be anything, just be kind" . (Caroline Flack 2019)
Much love Jan
18th May 2020