Want to Be Happier Today? Try Kindness.

Does it seem like people have gotten grumpier and more irritable lately? Does anyone else feel like kindness and decency are trending down and to the right??

Well, it turns out that those two things go hand in hand. And if we want to make a change—if we want a world that is happier and kinder—it starts with us.

The research is clear: the kinder we are to others—and to ourselves—the greater levels of happiness we experience.?

So, if you're struggling to find joy, try integrating some acts of kindness into your day and see what happens to your happiness levels.

Here’s why embracing kindness is a key ingredient to a happier, healthier life:

1. Boosts Feel-Good Chemicals:?Research shows that kind actions can increase our endorphins, the brain's natural painkillers, and elevate levels of oxytocin, making us feel more connected to others. This isn't just feel-good science—it's a proven path to enhancing our well-being.
2. Creates Ripple Effects:?Your single act of kindness might not seem like much, but its impact can spread far beyond the initial gesture. According to studies published in the?Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, kindness is contagious and can inspire a chain reaction of goodwill and happiness.
3. Enhances Happiness:?Engaging in acts of kindness has been directly linked to increased happiness and well-being. A study in the?Journal of Social Psychology?found that participants who performed acts of kindness reported significantly higher levels of happiness.
4. Improves Relationships:?Kindness enriches our interactions and strengthens our connections with others. It's a powerful way to build a more supportive and understanding community around us, fostering better social connections which are key to our happiness. Research published in the Journal of Happiness Studies underscores how pro-social behaviors like kindness significantly enhance interpersonal relationships and contribute to our overall social wellbeing.
5. Fosters Self-Compassion:?Practicing self-kindness is equally important as being kind to others. When we are kind to ourselves, we build a foundation of self-worth and resilience, which enhances our overall happiness. Research by Dr. Kristen Neff shows that self-compassion is linked to lower levels of anxiety and depression and an increase in life satisfaction.

Here's a challenge for you today:?Identify one way you can show kindness to yourself and one way you can extend kindness to someone else.?It could be as simple as sending a supportive text message to someone you care about or simply making some time for yourself for a quiet moment of self-reflection.

Your small gesture could be the highlight of someone’s day, including your own.

If you want to learn more about the link between happiness and kindness you can listen to or watch this week's episode of the Permission to Love Podcast on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify.?

I am grateful you are here,

Jerry