In a lead up to Random Acts of Kindness Week (February 11 – 17, 2018) the Above the Influence (ATI) student group at Mora Schools were asked to come up with ways to show kindness. Simple ideas such as holding a door open for someone, saying hello, buying someone else lunch, leaving a positive note for someone, picking up paper or books that may have fallen on the floor or simply giving someone a compliment. Random Acts of Kindness (RAKs) can be simple, free, and quick!
Between now and February 17, 2018 the students were asked to capture kindness! We’re inviting everyone to join in. If you see kindness, capture it, and send it to sackcoalition@gmail.com We’ll enter your pictures into the Random Acts of Kindness #capturekindness photo contest! Help inspire others and spread kindness through photography! Capture Kindness Photo Contest
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is a non-profit organization that believes in spreading kindness throughout schools, communities and homes.
Did you know there are scientifically proven benefits of being kind? The Science of Kindness
KINDNESS INCREASES:
THE LOVE HORMONE
Witnessing acts of kindness produces oxytocin, occasionally referred to as the ‘love hormone’ which aids in lowering blood pressure and improving our overall heart-health. Oxytocin also increases our self-esteem and optimism, which is extra helpful when we’re in anxious or shy in a social situation.
ENERGY
“About half of participants in one study reported that they feel stronger and more energetic after helping others; many also reported feeling calmer and less depressed, with increased feelings of self-worth” CHRISTINE CARTER, UC BERKELEY, GREATER GOOD SCIENCE CENTER
HAPPINESS
A 2010 Harvard Business School survey of happiness in 136 countries found that people who are altruistic—in this case, people who were generous financially, such as with charitable donations—were happiest overall.
LIFESPAN
“People who volunteer tend to experience fewer aches and pains. Giving help to others protects overall health twice as much as aspirin protects against heart disease. People 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organizations have an impressive 44% lower likelihood of dying early, and that’s after sifting out every other contributing factor, including physical health, exercise, gender, habits like smoking, marital status and many more. This is a stronger effect than exercising four times a week or going to church.” CHRISTINE CARTER, AUTHOR, “RAISING HAPPINESS; IN PURSUIT OF JOYFUL KIDS AND HAPPIER PARENTS”
PLEASURE
According to research from Emory University, when you are kind to another person, your brain’s pleasure and reward centers light up, as if you were the recipient of the good deed—not the giver. This phenomenon is called the “helper’s high.”
SEROTONIN
Like most medical antidepressants, kindness stimulates the production of serotonin. This feel-good chemical heals your wounds, calms you down, and makes you happy!
KINDNESS DECREASES:
PAIN
Engaging in acts of kindness produces endorphins—the brain’s natural painkiller!
STRESS
Perpetually kind people have 23% less cortisol (the stress hormone) and age slower than the average population!
ANXIETY
A group of highly anxious individuals performed at least six acts of kindness a week. After one month, there was a significant increase in positive moods, relationship satisfaction and a decrease in social avoidance in socially anxious individuals. UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA STUDY
DEPRESSION
Stephen Post of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine found that when we give of ourselves, everything from life satisfaction to self-realization and physical health is significantly improved. Mortality is delayed, depression is reduced and well-being and good fortune are increased.
BLOOD PRESSURE
Committing acts of kindness lowers blood pressure. According to Dr. David R. Hamilton, acts of kindness create emotional warmth, which releases a hormone known as oxytocin. Oxytocin causes the release of a chemical called nitric oxide, which dilates the blood vessels. This reduces blood pressure and, therefore, oxytocin is known as a “cardioprotective” hormone. It protects the heart by lowering blood pressure.
KINDNESS IS TEACHABLE
“It’s kind of like weight training, we found that people can actually build up their compassion ‘muscle’ and respond to others’ suffering with care and a desire to help.” DR. RITCHIE DAVIDSON , UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN
KINDNESS IS CONTAGIOUS
The positive effects of kindness are experienced in the brain of everyone who witnessed the act, improving their mood and making them significantly more likely to “pay it forward.” This means one good deed in a crowded area can create a domino effect and improve the day of dozens of people!
Source: Random Acts of Kindness