How kindness helps our mental health

On today’s episode, I’m going to be talking about Mental Health Awareness Week and this year’s theme of kindness.

I decided to talk about this as it’s Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) from Monday 18 to Sunday 24 May 2020. This is a week in the UK used to raise awareness of mental health and mental ill-health. It’s also a time to inspire action and promote the positive message of good mental health for all. I wanted to explore how kindness helps our mental health and that of others.  

MHAW was established in 2001 and is run by the Mental Health Foundation, and this year’s theme was changed from Sleep to Kindness due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Listen to the episode

If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.

In today’s show, I talk about

  • Why should we care about kindness and how kindness helps our mental health [02:10]
  • About my free 30-minute coaching calls and how they can help you. [03:30]
  • Some kind acts you can easily do at the moment. [04:01]
  • One thing that I think is very kind and also good for business. [07:40]
  • Acts of kindness acts you can do in your workplace, even at a distance. [09:45]

Statistics linked to kindness

  • Kind people, according to research, have 23% less cortisol, the stress hormone. 
  • They also age more slowly as a result, than the average population who may not show kindness as regularly. 

Resources 

Quotes

  • I do think that people and organisations that have been kind during COVID-19 pandemic and put their staff and customers first will be remembered and hailed as beacons of good practice. 
  • I think it’s easier to be kind than unkind.
  • By being kind to ourselves and to others. There are lots of benefits for our mental health.
  • It’s also key to remember that this is not business as usual, as much as people are trying.
  • Send a motivational message to someone who might be struggling, and even if you don’t hear back from them, that’s okay. But just to know that someone’s thinking of them, it’s a real act of service.
  • If you feel able to and can afford it, buy a few extra canned goods, have a look and see what your local food banks need. 

Reflect on an act of kindness

  • Share your stories and pictures (with permission) of kindness during the week using #KindnessMatters and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
  • Use our resources in your family, school, workplace and community to join with thousands in practising acts of kindness to yourself and others during the week 
  • Share your ideas on how you think we could build a kinder society that would support our mental health using #KindnessMatters and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
  • How does kindness help your mental health?

Work with me

Feeling overwhelmed at the moment? Free 30 min Coaching Calls

My aim is to support you with your work-life balance challenges so can spend time in the way you want to. If this feels like something you need, then please

book a mutually convenient time here: https://calendly.com/leylao/30min. I very much look forward to speaking to you and getting you on your journey.  

Subscribe to the podcast 

If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.

You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. 

Remember to tune in to next week’s episode, where I’ll bring you more insights into mental health and inclusion.