The things that matter most in life aren’t accurately measured in dollars and cents or a bottom line, but rather in emotional currency that bonds people to people. Actions that demonstrate care speak louder than words and have more impact than “warm fuzzies”. Learn how simple gestures greatly impact our lives, our health, and our world.
Reaping what you sow: Healing inspired by simple acts
A colleague recently surprised me with a handwritten note to thank me for a card I sent her! Her unexpected, highly detailed note reinforced once again the impact of the human touch in a hyper-digital world.
It’s also a reminder that our business conversations overwhelmingly focus on efficiencies through automation, artificial intelligence, chatbots, and the like. Here’s the dichotomy: These technologies are important in connecting us with coworkers, stakeholders, and our communities; however, when overused, these same technologies distract us from real human connection. The results actually lower engagement and diminish our “experience” with the people who matter most as well as our well-being.
Scientifically & medically proven benefits
Science backs up the assertion that a simple gesture such as a card or a small token can deeply impact us (giver and receiver) and actually improve our health. Serotonin, a natural substance and neurotransmitter in your body, is a natural “feel-good” chemical that helps regulate mood and sense of well-being. When someone engages in a kind gesture, big or small, their serotonin levels increase. What is most interesting is the serotonin level increases in giver, receiver AND anyone who witnesses the gesture, providing all a well-being boost. And if that’s not enough, the positive effects of a kind gesture are contagious. When someone’s mood improves, it drives them to likely “pay it forward.”
Medical research indicates that gestures of kindness also reduce blood pressure and cortisol (a hormone directly related to stress) as a result of the release of the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin causes the release of a natural substance, nitric oxide, which dilates the blood vessels, reducing blood pressure and improving overall heart-health.
Self-serving kindness with a human touch
Beyond treating others, human kindness is also about how you extend those same behaviors and intentions to yourself. We need to give ourselves permission to be kinder to ourselves in practicing self-talk and self-gratitude.
Anecdotal proof
People who make kind gestures part of their everyday lives report the following a long list of benefits that include:
deepened spirit;
increased feelings of confidence and self-esteem, empathy, and compassion;
stronger sense of connectivity to others;
increased engagement; and
personal and professional rewards that cannot be explained in words.
Essentially, the experience is more powerful than words can describe.
In order to experience this magic associated with acts of kindness, we have to rise above the busyness of life and our fixation on efficiency. Who couldn’t use extra doses of serotonin to help dissipate the angst weighing on us these days? Here are a few simple ideas to consider:
Smile as you walk past people. Your smile could be what they needed that day.
Pay for groceries (all or part) or a cup of coffee for the person behind you.
Tip your server or delivery person a bit more than usual.
Welcome a new neighbor or colleague with a small gift or gesture.
Graciously let someone in front of you when you’re stuck in traffic.
Celebrate and welcome a new life.
Send encouragement and hope to someone working through loss or illness.
Call someone you care about. Really listen and respond to what’s on their mind.
Send a card with a meaningful note.
Get the full list of simple gestures to help you make people you encounter feel like they matter and be good to yourself.
Consider starting each day intentionally asking yourself “How am I going to do something kind for another human today?” Making a commitment to perform a certain number of small, kind gestures daily will help you succeed. Acts of kindness can make the world a happier place for everyone. Actions that demonstrate you care about others make us feel good at a time when we all need a lift.
If you’re ready to bring more people-centric practices to your organization, and if you want to button up all the details, consider enlisting professional assistance. Let’s start a conversation. Call 800-742-6800 or email today. For more information and tips to create an experience filled with kind gestures for your stakeholders, sign up for our monthly newsletter at askhillarys.com (bottom right corner of the page).
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About the author:
Hillary Feder is an expert in creating people-centric practices to make the people that matter, feel like they matter. With deep expertise in employee engagement and the client experience and all of the details that come with leading people and nurturing relationships. Learn more about Hillary!
