It can be easy to get wrapped up in our own lives and forget about the effect our words and actions can have on others. This is why it’s important to always be kind, even when we don’t feel like it. Showing compassion and understanding can go a long way in making someone’s day (or even life) a little better. Furthermore, being kind to those around you helps your mental health as it enables you to learn how to be kind to yourself. So, check out our tips on being kind to help those around you, as well as yourself.
Top Tips
Smiling and Eye Contact
One of the easiest ways to show someone you care is by making eye contact and smiling at them. This simple act can make a stranger feel appreciated and help brighten up their day. Often, being kind begins with how we present ourselves and how it makes the person we are speaking to feel. This can be effective in boosting the self-esteem of others because it shows them that they are worth your time and attention and that their presence is valuable to you.
Complimenting People
Another way to make someone feel good is by complimenting them. It could be something as simple as telling them that their outfit looks nice or that you like their new haircut. Whatever it is, making a genuine compliment can make someone’s day and let them know that you are positively thinking about them. Plus, it costs nothing but a few seconds of your time!
Random Acts of Kindness
You can also show kindness by doing something nice for someone without them expecting it. This could be anything from cooking dinner for a friend who is going through a tough time to leaving a heartfelt note for your partner. These random acts of kindness are often the most appreciated because they are completely unexpected and show that you are thinking of the other person even when they’re not around.
Listening Without Judgement
Sometimes, all somebody needs is a shoulder to cry on or someone to lend a listening ear. In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to forget the importance of simply being there for someone. If a friend or family member comes to you with a problem, try to listen without passing judgement or offering advice (unless they ask for it, of course). Just being a sounding board can make someone feel better and let them know that you are there for them, no matter what.
Pop Up First
One way to make others feel valued is by being the first to message or interact with them. In today's day and age, many conversations take place online or in a text message. When you take the time to pop up first and reach out, it shows that you are thinking of them and that they are important to you. This is a small act that can make a big difference in someone’s day-to-day life as they feel valued and appreciated that you are thinking of them. This can be particularly valuable to people potentially struggling with mental health as we can convince ourselves that we don't matter. Messaging your friends or loved ones makes them feel loved and important to others, which will boost their self-esteem and mental health. Furthermore, this will also encourage people to discuss their problems and mental health issues with you.
Saying “Thank You”
It’s easy to take the people in our lives for granted, but it’s important to remember that everyone has value. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or even a stranger, make sure to say ‘thank you whenever someone does something nice for you. This simple act of appreciation can make someone’s day and show them that you are grateful for their kindness.
Being Kind to Yourself
Our tips on being kind are not just designed to help those around you. It’s not just the recipients of kindness who benefit from the act – studies have shown that being kind can also improve your mental health and well-being. Doing something nice for somebody else releases feel-good chemicals in your brain such as serotonin and dopamine, which can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, being kind can also help increase your self-esteem and happiness and satisfaction. So next time you’re feeling down, try doing something nice for someone else and see how it makes you feel!
Our tips on being kind are not gospel. Whilst these tend to work on a generalised level, you know your friends and loved ones best. It is up to you to consider their personalities and emotions to ensure that you are being as kind as possible. What's important is being empathetic to their emotions and receptive to their moods and actions to ensure that your kindness is received well and is therefore effective.
Hypnotherapy
Aside from our tips on being kind, hypnotherapy can help you be kind to those around you as well as yourself. Hypnotherapy can help you to control and manage your stress and anxiety levels, which can in turn make it easier for you to be kind and patient with those around you. Hypnotherapy can also help to increase your self-esteem and confidence, which will make it easier for you to interact with others positively. If you would like to find out more about how hypnotherapy at The Self Image Institute could help you, please contact us today at 07534 448713 or yasminswilliams@gmail.com. Alternatively, contact us to enquire about our hypnotherapy treatments for stress, anxiety, smoking and dieting.
Article: Phoenix Marketing
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