Reduce Stress with Kindness

Stress. If ever there was a time when this word is used a lot, it is right now. Navigating these unusual times is difficult. No hugs. Conversations from a distance. No view of facial expressions as part of the conversation interpretation. Even online communications often end up in misunderstanding or downright arguments. And don’t even get me started on what all of this has done to our kids.

If you have spent any time on this page, you know “show kindness” is kind of my motto. While it isn’t the answer to everything, it is an excellent place to start. Kindness helps with empathy, self-esteem, and compassion. Did you know performing acts of kindness actually helps you feel more connected to other people? This is something we all need right now.

Part of showing kindness should also be trying to understand where others are coming from. We don’t always know someone’s story. Many of us are good at hiding it when life at home is difficult or even if we are suffering from the effects of stress. Add in that some people have mental health issues and we need to try to be empathetic, even when we don’t understand.

It is ok to have an opinion, but when you are nasty about expressing your opinion, you can’t expect anyone to listen. Communication is key. Express your opinion with kindness, listen to the other person’s perspective, and even when you can’t agree, agree to disagree. Being able to do this and not be nasty when someone disagrees with us is a way of making this world a better place.

We can leave social media, cut people out of our lives and make sure everyone knows our opinion (even if they don’t want to), but how does that make the world better for any of us? We are called to be examples to the next generation and right now we are doing a lousy job.

I think it all comes down to support. Support by showing kindness to everyone. Support by listening in a conversation as much as we talk. Support by not assuming you know what every person is going through and giving some grace. And support by understanding we do not have to agree to get along.

In other words, BE KIND.