Kindness is a good virtue, and is one of essential human habits around the world. In a world that is getting influenced by technology, social media, and work stress, the pursuit of kindness is just a mere echo in the background. In this fast-paced world, the beam of kindness stands as resilient, beckoning us to reflect the transformative power in shaping not just our daily lives but the very fabric of our world.
We can engage in small acts of kindness in our daily lives. It could be helping someone with their groceries, helping an elderly person crossing the road. In a comprehensive study conducted at UC Berkeley, researchers examined the psychological impact of engaging in acts of kindness. People who engaged in these type actions experienced a surge in positive emotions while concurrently reduced the symptoms of psychological stress. Incorporating kindness in our daily lives may serve as a healthy idea for fostering emotional strength.
Kindness is also very healthy in nature. When we express kindness, our body releases healthy neurotransmitters like serotonin and oxytocin, contributing to a positive mindset. Kindness has proven to decrease our blood pressure and cortisol, a hormone related to stress levels. According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, kindness can also increase self-esteem, empathy, and compassion, and also improves our mood.
When one person engages in a kind act, it often inspires the other to the same. This is why our parents always tell us to be responsible and do good things so that our siblings can also be good people. This ripple effect in people can lead to a creation of a more compassionate society. Kindness is also contagious, encouraging others to join in with their own helpful deeds.
In a real life situation, let’s say you were crossing the road. Suddenly, an old lady is also crossing the road, but she is visually impaired. So you help her, and at the end she says ‘thank you’. Because of this, your mood will be uplifted and will make you do more helpful activities. Seeing this other people will also engage in such activities, and this leads to a more compassionate society. With this example we can prove that, “Kindness is a ripple effect.”
Ripple effect is basically a phenomenon seen in people, when they engage in positive actions such as helping older people, helping neighbors or relatives, and so on. Just as a marble thrown in water creates ripples, so do acts of kindness have the power to inspire others to pay it forward. Every interaction we have, no matter how small or big, it has the possibility to create a ripple effect. Similarly, when we positively influence someone, they may, in turn influence others, to create a positive chain reaction.
As Mahatma Gandhi once wrote in a journal in 1913, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Making the world a kinder place is not that difficult; simple acts of kindness can be done in seconds. As we discussed how kindness can affect your health in a positive way, influencing others and creating a compassionate society can make peace prevail in the world. According to the world’s statistics, South Africa stands as No.1 as the kindest country in the world. We can also get inspired by South Africa’s ways of kindness, and make India one of the top friendliest countries in the world. Embrace the power you hold to make the difference, and let kindness be a guiding force in your day-to-day conversations.
By: Vaishnavi Konkimalla
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