Kindness helps to make the world a better place. And we don’t have to be saints like Mother Teresa. We only need to make a habit of being kind to ourselves and one another, and the rest will fall into place.
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What is a habit
A habit is a routine thought, feeling, or action. Incidentally, a habit is formed as a result of repeated activities performed in response to a cue or trigger.
How a habit is formed
Having said that, note that a habit is a three-step process.
As previously stated, the process begins with the trigger. It is at this point that we are reminded to perform an act. For example, waking up reminds us to drink a cup of coffee.
The second part of the process involves the activity itself. The routine. So, in our coffee example, the routine consists of drinking a cup of coffee.
And the final step in the process involves the reward. It is the sensation we experience as a result of doing the activity. In our example, the reward for drinking coffee is feeling energized and ready to face the day.
When the process is repeated enough times, it becomes etched in the habit loop region of the brain. This “realignment” allows the active part of the brain to focus on tasks that require decision-making.
Therefore, a habit is formed when an activity no longer necessitates the participation of your active brain.
What is kindness
Kindness is an act that encompasses other altruistic behaviors such as generosity, friendliness, support, benevolence, and consideration.
You don’t need much to be kind. Sometimes all it takes is a kind word, a listening ear, a hug. Or a small amount of your time, money, or effort.
Nonetheless, a simple act of kindness has enormous benefits in terms of good feelings for both the recipient and the giver.
Is kindness a habit
This then brings us to the question, “Is kindness a habit?” We are all aware that kindness is a virtue. It would seem implausible to consider it a regular habit.
Kindness appears to be and is most likely an innate human ability. However, somewhere along the way, this ability became lost or forgotten in our modern world.
We can become so focused on our professional or personal success or struggle that we lose sight of kindness.
As a result, kindness has become a choice to be made. And it is a choice we must make on a daily basis until it becomes a habit. Then it becomes a virtue.
Importance of kindness
Earlier, we mentioned that kindness makes the world a better place. And it surely does. Indeed, this is the most compelling reason for the importance of kindness. Particularly in this day and age.
Apart from this, however, practicing kindness is important because of the following reasons:
A small act of kindness can have a significant impact.
A kind word or gesture can calm a fit of raging anger. It may also boost a sagging spirit. And has a way of making another person’s day a little brighter.
Kindness keeps giving
When you show kindness, it does not end with the person who receives it. It keeps multiplying and benefiting others. And it may even come back to you even if you don’t expect anything in return.
Kindness makes you feel good
Helping others, no matter how small, can give you that warm fuzzy feeling. This improvement in your emotion will impact how you deal with other people and situations throughout the day.
Lowers stress levels
Another benefit of kindness is that it reduces stress. This is related to the previous point about feeling good and being able to manage your day. Because you will also be able to manage your stress and keep it under control.
Boosts your self-esteem
Being kind makes you feel good. And feeling good leads to increased self-esteem. This is due to the fact that a better sense of well-being improves how you see and carry yourself.
Allows you to work well with other people
Another advantage of making kindness a habit is that it improves your ability to work with others.
Kind words and gestures increase people’s openness and willingness to work with you on various tasks or projects. It also creates a network of like-minded people who are willing to help or collaborate in some way.
Improves productivity
Working well with others will almost always result in increased productivity. That is yet another advantage of simply being kind.
How to make kindness a habit
Now that we have established the importance of kindness and its significant effect on your happiness and overall well-being. We’ll now look at some ideas for making kindness a habit.
A small act will do
Your daily act of kindness to give does not have to be grand. You can start with a smile. To yourself, your neighbors, and strangers you meet on your way to work.
It will seem silly and intimidating at first, especially if you’re anything like me. But as they say, kindness takes courage.
So, to build your kindness habit, start with a smile.
Aim to do an act of kindness each day
As in every habit, repetition is the key to making it stick. So, to develop your kindness habit, aim to have at least one act of kindness every day.
Note that you don’t have to be a saint to be kind. All you have to do is decide to spread kindness every day. Consider it a gesture of gratitude for everything you have.
Be sincere
Kindness comes from the heart. And so your acts of kindness should always be sincere.
Do not allow your goal to be kind become a tally or a checklist to be ticked off. Instead, offer a heartfelt compliment, sound advice, or a heartfelt thank you.
Enjoy the process as well as the good feelings that your act of kindness brings.
Be grateful
Appreciate every kind gesture you receive. A smile, a nod, or a simple thank you will do.
Take time to be grateful as well for all the things that you have and enjoy. Share the things you can.
Turn on your kindness meter
Recognize and participate in the acts of kindness that surround you. Take note of how others show kindness and return the favor.
Spread kindness and allow kindness to spread through you.
Be generous with your kindness
It doesn’t take much to be kind. So go all out in your acts of kindness.
Can’t provide sound advice? Give a listening ear. Can’t donate in cash? Volunteer a fraction of your time. Your co-worker is having a bad hair day? Compliment her on her excellent choice of clothing. A friend is feeling down? Provide support or words of encouragement.
These are just a few examples of generous acts of kindness you can perform.
Keep a kindness journal
It is also a good idea to keep a journal to track the development of your kindness habit. You can also use it to reflect on the kindness you have given and the kindness you have received in return.
You may be surprised by the abundance of kindness that surrounds you now that you’ve decided to make kindness a habit.
Small acts of kindness we can all do
Being kind does not require a lot of effort, that much we have established. In fact, small and random acts of kindness can go a long way toward making someone feel better.
Here are some simple ways you can demonstrate kindness and make the world a better place to live.
- Smile.
- Let the frazzled lady cut in front of you at the grocery check-out line.
- Say thank you.
- Do not engage in gossip.
- Find a charitable cause to which you can contribute time, money, or services.
- Share your knowledge.
- Tell your boss something nice about your coworker.
- Stay late to accommodate a coworker who needs to get home.
- Keep giving out compliments.
- Appreciate the efforts of others.
- Support a small business.
- Take time to call or send a warm message to family and friends.
- Prepare a meal for a neighbor who has recently had a baby or surgery.
- Do some chores for a family member or friend who could benefit from some extra free time.
- Have some me-time. You also need to be kind to yourself.
Summary
To summarize, kindness makes the world a better place and so we need to make it a habit.
A habit is an action that you repeat on a regular basis. Kindness on the other hand is a virtue that is innate in us humans.
It may appear strange to consider kindness as a habit. But it seems that we may have forgotten how to act kindly somewhere along the way. As a result, we must develop and make kindness a habit.
Developing kindness as a habit is important for the following reasons:
- A small act of kindness can have a significant impact.
- Kindness keeps giving.
- Kindness makes you feel good.
- Lowers stress levels.
- Boosts your self-esteem.
- Allows you to work well with other people.
- Improves productivity.
Since developing kindness as a habit is important, here are some ways you can do to make it a habit:
- A small act will do.
- Aim to do an act of kindness each day.
- Be sincere.
- Be grateful.
- Turn on your kindness meter.
- Be generous with your kindness.
- Keep a kindness journal.
Finally, kindness doesn’t have to be grand. You can’t go wrong with small random acts of kindness. Even the smallest act can ignite a chain reaction that spreads the positive effects of kindness.
Related articles
Please share your thoughts or ideas about Why Kindness Should Become One Of Your Habits Today in the comments below. And if you liked this article, you might be interested as well in these articles:
Why Good Habits Beat Motivation
How To Define Yourself By Your Habits
9 Simple Habits You Can Learn From Vampires
9 Effective Habits For A Happy Life
Building Good Habits For Your To Be
How To Break 9 Bad Habits That Keep You Down
7 Tips On How To Develop A Persistent Habit
Outside references:
Habits: How They Form And How To Break Them
7 Super Effective Ways to Make Kindness a Habit
I love the idea of a kindness journal!