Being kind and showing gratitude towards ourselves and others helps us gain perspective, connect with others and be kinder to ourselves. There are scientifically proven benefits of being kind. Kindness increases oxytocin, serotonin, energy, happiness and lifespan and decreases pain, stress, anxiety, depression and blood pressure. Below are a few helpful tips:
On the way to and from work
- Check in with how you’re feeling and the energy you’re bringing to work
- Be kind to service people like bus drivers, baristas and cleaners; say hello, smile, ask how they are today
- Reflect on something you’ve done well at end of each day
When working
- Send an encouraging email to a teammate expressing appreciation
- Endorse a skill or leave a positive recommendation on LinkedIn
- Notice when you’re hard on yourself or others and find ways to be kind
- Try to make a positive comment in every interaction
- Be specific when expressing thanks and say why you are grateful for someone’s work or help
- Take a moment to accept compliments and reflect on them
- Relay the positive feedback you heard about someone’s work if they weren’t there to hear it first-hand
- Be a mentor to others by sharing your expertise or professional networks
- Congratulate someone on their wins
- Speak highly of a colleague to their supervisor
In your breaks
- Take the time to get to know a new staff member
- Buy a colleague a coffee or make them a cup of tea
- Make an effort to find out something interesting about a co-worker
Set yourself up for success
- Make a list of amazing things that you take for granted
- Write down three specific things that have gone well recently
- List the kind things others have done for you that week
- Take time each day to be grateful for the things in your life, in your head or in a journal
- Look for something to be thankful for where you least expect it
- Take time to take care of yourself, physically and emotionally; isn’t selfish, it’s essential
- Find something kind to say to yourself when feeling low
- Treat yourself the way you would treat a friend when things are difficult