There is a very Spanish saying that goes, “It’s so good it seems silly,” which means that being kind is an act of weakness that can cause others to take advantage of you. But according to the latest research, we couldn’t be more wrong. “Kindness not only improves the world, it also improves your emotional and physical well-being,” says the expert Patricia Ramírez, known online as Patri Psychologist.
This claim is based on a study published in the Journal of Social Psychology, which reveals that practicing acts of kindness for a week significantly increases individual well-being. Additionally, according to the expert, “the researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky demonstrated that kindness activates areas of the brain associated with pleasure, reduces stress and strengthens the immune system“.
The Ten Small Gestures to Be Kinder, Recommended by Patri Psychologist
Now you know that being good not only does not make you weaker, but it can make you happier. But how can we be more kind in our daily lives? Patri Psychologist has selected ten ways to boost kindness in your day, small easy gestures to carry out that have a big impact. Because, according to the expert, “kindness is an act that is trained.” Let’s look at these ten tips:
1. Give a compliment: “Recognizing something good in others strengthens their self-esteem and creates a more positive atmosphere around you,” she advises. And we’re not just talking about complimenting a person’s physical appearance, something that should not be done lightly. Words like “I’m proud of you,” “you’re very sincere,” or “I feel good when I’m with you” can make the other person feel really good.
2. Do a favor: this means helping without expecting anything in return, not doing a favor with the idea that the other person will repay you in the future. Doing a favor “generates trust and closer bonds,” and yes, being kind attracts kindness, so it’s easier that in the future, that person will also help you if you need it. Although that should not be your objective.
3. Smile: “A genuine smile is contagious and can change the mood of the person who receives it,” comments Patri Psychologist. But it’s that the smile also activates certain muscles that send signals to the brain, causing the release of endorphins and serotonin, the happiness hormones. That simple gesture reduces stress and improves mood almost instantly.
4. Be considerate: with this advice, Patricia Ramírez refers to thinking about the needs and feelings of others before acting. This way of acting “avoids conflicts and fosters empathy,” she ensures.
Being mindful of others’ feelings makes you kinder.
5. Be generous: being generous does not always mean giving money or gifts to someone. You can also demonstrate generosity by sharing your time or attention with someone, an attitude that enriches both the receiver and the giver, according to the expert.
6. Make love, not war: “Choose respect and affection over hostility, even in moments of disagreement,” advises Patri Psychologist. With the rise of social media, it seems that attitude has worsened where a person always sees the bad in the other, being at war constantly. That not only annoys the other person, but also makes you unhappy.
7. Be honest and fair: when you act with transparency and equity, you generate trust and healthier relationships, which reduces tensions and unnecessary conflicts. That coherence between what you think and do fuels your self-esteem and spreads calm to those around you. In the end, kindness becomes a virtuous circle that multiplies personal and shared happiness.
8. Do not discriminate: “Treat all people with the same dignity, without prejudice or favoritism,” advises Patri Psychologist. We all like some people better than others, but treating them according to your own preferences makes the environment sour because you are not being fair in those moments.
9. Be consistent: one of the most repeated pieces of advice from experts and, as expected, also from Patricia Ramírez. “Maintaining consistency between what you think, say and do gives you inner peace,” warns. And while it may seem obvious, it is not always easy to carry out. But when you manage… it shows.
10. Sow, sow, sow: “Multiply acts of kindness without expecting immediate results, trusting that they will bear fruit,” concludes the expert. And we add: do not think that because you are kind to others they will take advantage of you. On the contrary, it will help you sleep better each night, with a calmer conscience and that… will bring you happiness.
