KINDNESS DURING CRISIS – 5 EASY WAYS YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

ONE SMALL STEP AT A TIME

Hello everyone and welcome to another FACTUAL FRIDAY.

As the world continues to grapple with the Coronavirus, city lockdowns, quarantines, and self-isolation it’s important to stay centered and focused on things we can do to improve the situation for ourselves, others and the planet.

Accordingly, this is the perfect time to exercise a little more Kindness and Compassion toward our fellow human beings. Very small acts can make a big difference to the happiness and comfort of those around us and for us as well. Engaging in an act of kindness elevates the levels of dopamine in our brain, which creates a good feeling known as a Helper’s High. Being kind increases our Love Hormone oxytocin, which can lower blood pressure and ease stress. And kindness activates the vagus nerve, which reduces inflammation and the level of free radicals in our bodies.

All in all, kindness creates a win/win situation for everyone. Kindness is contagious and easier to activate than you might think.  And here are 5 simple ideas to get you started.

MAKE A PHONE CALL

Pick up your phone and actually call someone. No emails. No texts. Share your voice with someone you love. Ask how they are. Reassure them that everything will be okay. Tell them a funny story or two. Voice to voice contact is so important in these days of quarantine and isolation. Make it a point to call two people every day and let them know they are in your thoughts.

SEND A CARD

Yes. Take out some actual paper and a pen, and sit down and write a letter or just a short note. Anything from a beautiful greeting card to a piece of paper from your printer will work. Add a few kind words, a few positive affirmations and lift the spirits of anyone lucky enough to be on the receiving end of your thoughtfulness. Literally, reach out and touch someone — at least one someone every day.

CLEAN OUT A CLOSET

Many of us are facing tough times. They won’t last, but in the meantime let’s do everything we can to help one another. Pick one closet and clean it out. That sweater you haven’t worn in a year, or that flower vase you don’t use anymore, may be just the thing that makes someone else’s day and brings a smile to their face. Pack up a box or two and arrange a drop off or delivery with your favorite charity.

PLANT A FLOWER

Our planet needs a little love at this time as well. Get outside and dig in the dirt. Plant a flower, some herbs, a tiny tree or a few bulbs. Gardening is a wonderful activity that helps center us and provides space and time to escape the stress of an uncertain world. It allows us to give back to the planet, and to create something positive and beautiful.

HOST A VIRTUAL HAPPY HOUR

Face to face contact is a must as more and more of us find ourselves isolated and, perhaps, feeling a bit lonely. Arrange a Zoom session, or a Skype call with family and friends. At my house we have a Friday night Happy Hour at 5:30 every week. Some may need a little instruction on how to do this, but they’ll find it’s easy and so worthwhile. Talking and laughing together in a group, seeing each other’s shining faces, and making a weekly toast to everyone’s good health is so reassuring and life-affirming. It’s truly a Happy Hour for all!

We all need to remind ourselves at this time that this is not forever, it’s for now. We will get through this together, we will learn and grow from it, and we will come through it stronger, wiser and kinder.

Thanks for joining me everyone. I wish you all peace in your surroundings, confidence in your abilities and lots of love to glue it all together. Until next time stay in GOOD HEALTH and . . .

TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!