What random acts of kindness can do to heal the body, mind, and soul
Life has been tough lately. Despite progress with vaccines, the global pandemic is still wreaking havoc with our daily life and work. Some of us have experienced immeasurable losses, losing friends and family members to COVID-19. Many of us have lost jobs and a sense of purpose. We’re feeling tired, depressed, and often overwhelmed by life’s current events. When all of these life stressors compounds, they impact our overall well-being and affect how we feel physically, emotionally, and mentally.
If you want to put a pep in your step and boost your health and well-being, one of the ways to feel better is doing something kind for others. Your gesture does not need to be monumental to make a huge difference. A small dose of kindness can go a long way and is something we all need these days.
Random Acts of Kindness Week
The perfect time to do something kind is Random Acts of Kindness Week, which is February 14 through February 20, with Wednesday, February 17 being Random Acts of Kindness Day. An observance set aside to encourage acts of kindness it has grown in popularity over the years to celebrate the compassion of the human spirit. Many individuals, groups, organizations, and businesses of all sizes, including Community First ER, take a time-out and doing something kind for others.
Small gestures of kindness
While it’s true the pandemic prevents us from kind gestures, such as giving a hug to someone in need, there are many things you can still do for others, even during the quarantine. Here are some examples:
- Sew a mask: Let’s face it. Masks are going to be mainstays for a while, and people will continue to need them. If you’re the least bit crafty, get out your scissors, needle, and thread and stitch away. Once completed, you may consider donating your masks to area businesses or nonprofits.
- Pay for someone’s coffee: We’re all needing an extra jolt of caffeine these days. Pick up the tab for someone’s cup o’ joe for the person behind you at the drive-thru at Starbucks.
- Make cards for area nursing homes: The pandemic has hit those living in nursing homes and long-term care facilities particularly hard. Because residents’ family members cannot visit, these individuals could use a pick-me-up. A handmade card will surely brighten their day.
- Listen: We’ve all been through so much (some more than others), and at times, we just need a listening ear. When much of our connection is via text or social media, a warm phone with a real voice on the other end of the line is a nice change of pace.
- Send a motivational text: Maybe you have a recently unemployed friend because of the pandemic, and they are feeling down. Sending an inspirational quote or words of wisdom may give them the boost they need.
Benefits of doing something kind
When you do something kind for someone else, it’s not just the recipient who benefits. You do as well. Studies have shown that you do as well. Here’s how:
- Kindness boosts your “feel-good” hormones: When you exercise, you release endorphins. The same happens when you do something good for others. You activate the pleasure centers of your brain and increase your serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of satisfaction and well-being.
- Kindness helps curb anxiety: Meditation, herbal remedies, exercise, and prescription medication can help manage anxiety, but so can a random act of kindness. Simply calling a friend or volunteering your time can effectively manage your feelings of angst and are a lot less expensive than some of the alternatives.
- Kindness helps your heart: Did you know a conducting a random act of kindness can impact the chemical balance of your heart? When you do something for someone else you feel good about, it releases a chemical called oxytocin. When this hormone is activated, it causes the release of nitric oxide into the blood vessels, expanding them and lowering your blood pressure.
- Kindness decreases stress: We’re all looking for ways to reduce stress, especially now. When you take a moment and look beyond yourself and what’s causing stressors in your own life and focus on someone else, you emerge stronger and can better handle your own stressful situations.
Caring for our community
The team at Community First ER cares for you, our patients, and we also care for our community. Our involvement with Charity Water and Project Joy, two local nonprofits, help boost our spirits and keep us going so we can take better care of you, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our commitment to you
At Community First Emergency Room, we are committed to providing you the best possible care now and always. We have both adult and pediatric emergency care available. We have a team of medical and surgical specialists that we consult with to help manage our patients and their medical emergencies. We form relationships with local doctors to ensure that our patients have access to the best specialists for their individual needs.
About Community First Emergency Room
Emergency health care, especially in the time of a pandemic, is a critical resource. Our commitment is to provide a personal, transparent, and concierge-driven emergency health care experience to our community members. Locally owned and operated by health care providers and partners we trust, we strive to support and create meaningful relationships with those around us. We exist to put your health and wellness first.
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