Happiness Habit #4: Acts of Kindness
Happiness Habit #4: Acts of Kindness
If only I get this promotion, then I will be happy. If only I could afford a better car, then I’ll be happy. If only I can find my soulmate, then I’ll be happy. If only I can win the lottery, then I’ll be happy. I’m sure you’ve had similar thoughts. We think that achievements, possession, and relationships will lead to happiness. But what that actually results in is just finding the next goal to chase and the chase doesn’t stop. We cannot rely on external sources for our happiness.
Research has shown that lasting happiness lies in what we can give: not just material gifts, but gifts of time, gifts of love, gifts of ourselves. Multiple studies have replicated similar results where participants (even as young as 2) reported increased happiness if their task was related to giving to others vs giving to themselves. Brain imaging studies have shown the pleasure center of our brain is equally active when we observe someone giving money to charity as when we receive money ourselves.
There are many ways you can practice altruism, acts of kindness and compassion, including typical ones we think of such as volunteering or becoming involved in a cause you are passionate about and donating money to causes. Or even the random acts of kindness such as paying for the person’s order in the Starbucks line behind you.
But there are many different ways we can practice this kindness and compassion habit in our everyday lives and with people who are closer to us:
Give someone a genuine compliment
Be there for a friend and just listen – fully listen (no advice giving, just be there for them)
Hold the door open for the person behind you
If you notice someone struggling with a task, offer to help
Show appreciation to others and say “thank you” even if the thing they did was small
Be kind and compassionate towards yourself
Smile more and smile at people you pass throughout your day - just to spread cheer
Write notes of kindness and appreciation for your friends and co-workers
Give a gift and include a note of kindness
Write handwritten thank you cards
Do one thing for your partner just because you know it will brighten their day without expectation for anything in return
Donate useful items
Write a positive comment on a blog or positive review online for a recent experience
Leave a generous tip
Share positive news stories with friends, families, or on your social media pages
Give a plant
Help a stranger
Say a genuine “thank you” to anyone who serves you
Forgive people
Make someone laugh
Waste fewer resources
Let people who are in a hurry go in front of you in a line
Call your parents
Be happy for someone else’s success
Mail birthday cards to friends and family
Happiness is not a scarce resource: the more we give or share happiness, the more you get it back.
Set a goal or intention in the morning to practice one act of kindness or compassion and get started!
Leave a comment below with more ideas of how to practice kindness or how practicing kindness has impacted your life!