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cartoon image of upset woman being comforted by another woman

Kindness is the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week

Suzie
19 May
by Suzie Business Owner & Senior HRBP

Ellie Crowther, our Mental Health First Aider, talks about the act of kindness.

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted” – Aesop

Kindness can impact yours and others mental health greatly, it can help building relationships, relieve stress and most importantly, make you feel good! The Mental Health Foundation’s theme this year is kindness, lets see why in this short video:

Benefits of being kind:

  • Reduces isolation
  • Gives a sense of belonging
  • Helps yourself and others feel good
  • Helps to make the world a better place
  • Reduces stress
  • Helps build and maintain relationships

Good deeds don’t need to cost money or take much time.  It can be small things like giving someone your seat on the bus, making a cup of tea for someone or volunteering.

It’s important to know that small changes can make a big difference!  Not sure where to start?  Here are a list of things you can do to show kindness:

  • Call or send a letter to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while or someone that is on their own
  • Send someone a handwritten “thank you” note
  • Offer to help elderly or vulnerable neighbours
  • Acknowledge your colleagues and ask how they are
  • Set up a virtual coffee/lunch club
  • Give positive feedback
  • Pick up litter off the street

As well as being kind to others, it’s important to be kind to yourself too. Make sure you make time for some “me” time and try take a break from social media.

Nature is good for our mental health so take a walk, ride your bicycle or do outdoor yoga! Using a kindness calendar can also help you track your acts of kindness which will overall, boost your self-esteem and mood.

Useful resources

  • Mental Health Foundation
  • Kindness UK
  • Action for happiness
  • Do-it
  • Volunteering England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland volunteering
  • WWF

REMEMBER, KINDNESS IS FREE AND COSTS NOTHING THEREFORE, SPRINKLE THAT STUFF EVERYWHERE!

 

 

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