Being kind by exchanging a smile or friendly words can be comforting and can boost our mood.
Some people find helping others can give them a sense of purpose which is good for our mental health. Watch our animation that has tips around kindness and mental health.
Kindness is choosing to do something that helps others or yourself.
Kindness, or doing good, often means putting other people’s needs before our own. It could be by giving up our seat on a bus to someone who might need it more, or offering to make a cup of tea for someone at work.
Evidence shows that helping others can also benefit our own mental health and wellbeing. For example, it can reduce stress as well as improve mood, self-esteem and happiness.
There are so many ways to help others as part of our everyday lives.
By taking the time to be kind to others, it really does make a difference, especially for people who are vulnerable or struggling.
With everything that's going on in the world, now is the time to help make a kinder society that improves our mental health.
Keep others in mind
While acts of kindness for other people can make us feel good, we need to also keep in mind why we’re doing it. It's for their benefit, not ours.
Part of being kind is considering the feelings of others, so it's very important that our kindness is something that others will find helpful. Kindness is something that needs to benefit both parties.
See what you can do that others are not doing already. For example, if you want to donate to a food bank, see what they need before buying things. Others in your community might need some urgent help.
Use today to reach out to a loved one who may be struggling with their mental health
- Tell someone you are proud of them
- Tell someone why you are thankful for them
- Send a motivational text
Find out more by visiting the Mental Health Foundation website.
