Kindness Is Contagious: The Importance of Being Kind to Others

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Abstract

nd starting again. I came across this homeless man laying on the ground that I’d never seen before with a chessboard right in front of him, instinctively I sat next to him and he started preparing the pieces as if he knew I was about to play a game with him.</p><p id="039d">As we started playing it was as if the world around me had suddenly disappeared and I was back to being who I was and living in the present. We primarily spoke about chess, the high street we were in, and basic general conversation.</p><p id="d6bd">This is where the story gets really interesting, I found out that this 53-year-old kind-spirited human learnt chess at the age of 8, grew up playing it to a high level, hasn’t played since he had gone homeless and that 5 minutes before I sat there next to him a stranger walked by and gave him the chessboard without knowing his past.</p><p id="4687">I knew in my heart that in that moment I was where I was supposed to be and that my journey is heading somewhere, I didn’t and I don’t know where but I knew.</p><h2 id="3715">Happiness inspires happiness</h2><p id="c0d9">A study from the University of California, Berkeley found that kindness is contagious. When a person does something kind, they are more likely to want to do another kind act. So, if you’re feeling down or upset, try doing something nice for someone else and see how it makes you feel. Giving creates a posi

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tive feedback loop that can help make your day better!</p><h2 id="bef4">Resilience comes from helping people out</h2><p id="8152">Helping others out is a way of combating the negativity that often surrounds us in life. For example, if you are dealing with a difficult boss or an unsupportive parent, try volunteering at your local food bank or animal shelter. You’ll be surprised by how much better you feel after just one day of doing something for someone else. It’s not always easy to find opportunities where we can make a difference, but they exist all around us- even if it means sending an email or making a phone call on behalf of someone less fortunate.</p><h2 id="c7fa">Feeling connected makes life more meaningful</h2><p id="98f4">Research has shown that feeling connected makes life more meaningful. Connection gives us a sense of meaning and purpose, making life easier and happier. It also helps us feel less alone in the world, and therefore less scared or worried about the future. So instead of feeling disconnected from other people, make an effort to be kinder and more compassionate — it’s contagious!</p><h1 id="e96c">Final Remarks</h1><p id="e222">I was raised in an environment that lead me to conclude that being a good human is something truly one of the most valuable assets one could have and kindness is one of many tools in the arsenal of a good human.</p></article></body>

Introduction:

Kindness matters. At least that’s what almost every spiritual practice, religious tradition, and self-help book will tell you. Being kind to others has been shown to improve your health and happiness, and can even make you more successful in business and social situations. That being said, it’s not always easy to be kind when we’re busy, tired, or stressed out from work and our personal lives. Here are some strategies for making kindness more of a habit in your life — for good!

Kindness and the butterfly effect

There was a time in my early twenties when things weren’t going as planned, every aspect of my personal and professional life was taking a hit and I got overwhelmed by the chaos.

There was a busy high street that I’d been walking through every day for the past 3 to 4 years and on this specific day where I was reaching a stage of giving up and just going back to my hometown, staying with my parents, and starting again. I came across this homeless man laying on the ground that I’d never seen before with a chessboard right in front of him, instinctively I sat next to him and he started preparing the pieces as if he knew I was about to play a game with him.

As we started playing it was as if the world around me had suddenly disappeared and I was back to being who I was and living in the present. We primarily spoke about chess, the high street we were in, and basic general conversation.

This is where the story gets really interesting, I found out that this 53-year-old kind-spirited human learnt chess at the age of 8, grew up playing it to a high level, hasn’t played since he had gone homeless and that 5 minutes before I sat there next to him a stranger walked by and gave him the chessboard without knowing his past.

I knew in my heart that in that moment I was where I was supposed to be and that my journey is heading somewhere, I didn’t and I don’t know where but I knew.

Happiness inspires happiness

A study from the University of California, Berkeley found that kindness is contagious. When a person does something kind, they are more likely to want to do another kind act. So, if you’re feeling down or upset, try doing something nice for someone else and see how it makes you feel. Giving creates a positive feedback loop that can help make your day better!

Resilience comes from helping people out

Helping others out is a way of combating the negativity that often surrounds us in life. For example, if you are dealing with a difficult boss or an unsupportive parent, try volunteering at your local food bank or animal shelter. You’ll be surprised by how much better you feel after just one day of doing something for someone else. It’s not always easy to find opportunities where we can make a difference, but they exist all around us- even if it means sending an email or making a phone call on behalf of someone less fortunate.

Feeling connected makes life more meaningful

Research has shown that feeling connected makes life more meaningful. Connection gives us a sense of meaning and purpose, making life easier and happier. It also helps us feel less alone in the world, and therefore less scared or worried about the future. So instead of feeling disconnected from other people, make an effort to be kinder and more compassionate — it’s contagious!