The theme of this mental health awareness week is kindness and that’s where we’re finishing our lockdown wellbeing support this week. This Coronavirus outbreak and subsequent lockdown of us all in our homes has taken us all by surprise. One thing that I’ve definitely noticed throughout this time, and I’m sure you have too, is how local and global communities have come together to support each other in the most amazing ways.
People are joining forces to sing on balconies, buying and delivering shopping for elderly neighbours, donating money to amazing individuals such as Captain Tom for the NHS, holding virtual gigs / open mic nights and writing letters to isolated individuals in nursing homes. We know that these acts of kindness among many more, have made a huge difference to the collective wellbeing of the community whilst also keeping us connected to each other.
But there’s an added benefit to kindness… Acts of kindness have been proven to have a profound effect our own mental & physiological health. You can feel happier, more connected to others, a sense of reward and purpose and experience increased self-worth. Being kind to others has also been known to have physical effects. From boosting our immune system to improving blood pressure, the simple message is that DOING GOOD DOES YOU GOOD!!!
How can you be kind during this difficult time?
- Be kind to YOURSELF first and foremost. Take time for your own wellbeing and practice acts of kindness without jeopardising your own levels of wellbeing or depleting your energy.
You can get involved in small acts of kindness towards other people, or larger ones like volunteering in your local community. Some examples of the things you could try include:
- Share your musical talent with others, post videos, live performances, collaborations etc.
- Sending a motivational text to a friend
- Watching a film together using video calling
- Reach out to people feeling lonely or isolated
- Thanking someone for something they have done for you
- Asking friends, family or colleagues how they are and really listening to their answer
- Volunteering in your community, such as helping at a school, hospital or care home
Choose kindness and you might start feeling a little better. Doing something nice for somebody else can be a real mood boost for you and others around you at this really tough time.
You can download the kindness matters guide here designed by the Mental Health Foundation for Mental Health Awareness Week. You’ll find tons more information here on the benefits of kindness and ideas you can get involved with to help others whilst maintaining your own mental health and wellbeing.
We’d love to hear your thoughts.
We’d love to know what acts of kindness have really stood out for you at this time and touched your heart, or what kind acts you’ve been able to get involved with to help others.
If you’ve enjoyed this pool of resources, then please share the links far and wide to support as many people as possible in this unique situation.
As always, if you’d like to chat to us please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you!
