“Getting High On Kindness”

Feeling Down?

Let's face it. Every single one of us has those moments in life where we find ourselves down-trodden, bummed-out, frustrated, stressed, and depressed. It's a fundamental reality of our human existence. Like the waves of the sea, there are rises and falls. Some of them are small. Some of them are tsunamis.

So what should we do in those low moments? How can we cope with the weight of emotional gravity laying us flat on the ground?

The Substance of Substances

Many people, when they are down in the dumps turn to a substance of some sort to help pick them up. Caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, weed, opioids, amphetamines, etc. They all certainly have an effect that feels good...for a time. But once the effect wears off, it's back to the reality of life as it truly is.

The unfortunate reality is that these chemicals artificially elevate our emotions beyond their natural levels, and push a massive rush of positive hormones through our brain and body. Our bodies begin to expect these massive levels the more it happens. We call this dependency and addiction.

So, if we are feeling down, how can we find a better way to feel better?

Kindness: The Natural High

There's a very simple way to help elevate your mood. It will cost you nothing. And it won't come with a hangover. In fact, it will continue to give you a high long after.

What is it?!

One word. Kindness.

Kindness is so very often overlooked for the incredible power that it holds, not only for ourselves and our moods but for the moods and lives of those around us.

It's simple really.

All you have to do is pick someone. Anyone. Then, do something that will make them feel good. It can be a compliment, an act of service, a gift, asking them about their hobbies, or even a simple smile.

The Kindness Chemicals

How does it work?

From a brain science perspective, it's truly fascinating. When we are intentionally kind to someone, it triggers the release of hormones that make us feel good.

There's an increase of:

• Serotonin (creates a feeling of well-being and happiness)
• Endorphins (a natural pain killer)
• Oxytocin (the 'love hormone' establishes a feeling of empathy and bonding)

And a decrease of:

• Cortisol (creates the feeling of anxiety and stress)

Human Hardwiring

Did you know that we are hard-wired from birth to experience these chemicals and feelings? It's part of being human.

We are social creatures, living in complex societies. Kindness helps us to live together with those around us. It gives us the ability to work together much more easily, build social connections that provide safety and support for us, and give us the ability to work together to solve problems.

Kindness Is Contagious

Here's the amazing thing about kindness. It's contagious.

When we do something nice for someone, it will lift the mood of that person. They will, in turn, feel like being nice to someone else. Take for example a Starbucks drive-through. No doubt you've experienced a moment when someone ahead of you pays for your drink. If you recall, it made you want to do the same thing for the person behind you (provided they didn't order the entire store).

That's the way it works.

Give 'er a try!

So...if you are having a bad day, or are feeling down, rather than reaching for a substance to make you feel better. Simply do something kind for another person. I promise you, it will be an amazing buzz. And every time you recall it, you'll get another hit.

Give it a try!