3 Simple Ways to Make Kindness a Habit

Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. And according to research, being kind has a profoundly positive effect on happiness.

Acts of kindness can boost the release of feel-good hormones, like serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine, which activates the areas of the brain that contribute to your mood and overall wellbeing.

So when you make kindness a habit, you’ll be happier too.

Here are 3 simple ways to make kindness a habit:

1. Keep it small and easy. Showing kindness doesn’t need to be a big sweeping gesture. In fact, the less elaborate you make it, the easier it is to make it part of your everyday routing. For example, give a genuine compliment to a stranger, offer to take a task off a co-worker’s plate, make a small donation to an animal shelter or other cause.
2. Keep it consistent. Research says it takes 21 days to build a habit. So make sure to keep up the daily practice, even when it’s difficult or you’re having a bad day.
3. Remember to be kind to yourself too. In the hustle and bustle of life, we tend to forget about our own self-care. Treat yourself with the kindness you wish to show to others. Remove the negative self-talk and reframe to compliments, forgive yourself often, have a self-care day.

“It’s the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.” J.R.R. Tolkien

What will you do starting today?