Staying Kind During Stressful Times

This has been a stressful year to say the least!  As adults, many of us have struggled to process all that's going on in the world these days and this uncertainty has led to anxious feelings.  Young people are in the same boat and, like us, their anxieties can lead to a wide range of emotions.  One way we all might be able to soothe anxieties as we head into the home stretch of 2020?  Be Kind.

Practicing kindness is healthy for your state of mind and others!  According to the Mayo Clinic, being nice can decrease blood pressure and the stress hormone cortisol, as well as release endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller.  

With the holiday season upon us, it's even easier to find ways to be kind to others.  Make your own cards and mail them to loved ones you haven't seen in awhile...or drop them off at a local nursing home to cheer up residents who may not be able to be with family this year.  Reach out to the young people in your life and remind them of the gifts and talents they have and why you're thankful for them.

A little kindness can go a long way in helping others feel better and improving your outlook, too!

For more information about how kindness can impact kids' mental and physical health, check out this story from National Geographic.