Can you remember the last time a stranger was kind to you?
Can you recall the last time you helped someone?

For most of us, the world of Covid 19 feels like a scary place.  You hope for positive news, but more often than not you are left feeling scared and helpless.

Well, here’s some good news. You aren’t as helpless as you may think you are.

How do I know?

Because science tells us that the power of kindness is proven.
Kindness has the power to boost your mood and reduce stress.
The good news – gestures of kindness will reduce your stress level, strengthen yourself, your loved ones, and your community.

My neighbor, a 92 year old widow, needed help ordering her groceries online.  While she is perfectly capable of driving to the supermarket, and does during normal times, she didn’t know how to e-shop for food during the current crisis.  She gave me her order by phone and I made all the arrangements. She was clearly touched that I made the effort to help her, and in return surprised me with home-baked cookies.

In other words, the power of kindness has a ripple effect. 

My neighbor benefited from my assistance and I felt so good about my ability to help her.

Kindness spreads both ways; it’s a win-win situation.

Here’s How Being Kind During the Pandemic Can Benefit You

1. Kindness builds strong relationships and shortens the distance between you and another person. This is particularly important now that you are physically separated from others.
2. Kindness creates a willingness to solve conflicts, which can easily arise when you are stressed, as we all are during the Covid 19 crisis.
3. Kindness is contagious.  If you are kind to your partner and improve their life, they will want to improve yours as well. 
4. Kindness boosts your immune system.  According to studies, antibodies needed to fight disease increase.  We all need a dose of that.
5. Since you cannot be physically close to others during the pandemic, smile at them and wave.  Smiling is contagious. Neuroscience suggests that seeing someone else smile can automatically activate a similar area in your brain.

By cultivating kindness, you can help create your own pandemic crisis plan and transform your surroundings from fear and dread to hope and compassion.