It’s World Kindness Day! I had no idea this even existed! I am all about kindness!! Seriously, I am. In my personal and professional life. My kids hear about this daily from me. 

So how does kindness relate to anxiety?

Research has shown us that when we practice kindness, it can actually protect us from anxiety and even depression! Yes, being kind helps the person you are being kind to, but it also helps you! We obviously do not always have control over the things that cause us stress, and therefore can’t get rid of them, but being kind can help make our reaction to it less intense. I have read about brain studies that have shown kindness impacts the amygdala. That is a part of the brain that is associated with anxiety and fear. If you or your children are struggling with anxiety right now, go out and practice a kind act! Remind yourself that you are doing it for yourself too! You deserve it!! 

What about kindness to those who have not been kind to you?

I read a quote once from Heidi Powell that said, “Your greatest test will be how you handle the people who mistreated you.” I felt that. That is definitely a hard thing to do. It is obviously easier to be kind to those that have been kind to you. Remember that kindness, even if not reciprocated, can have positive benefits for your mental health. This does not apply to those of you that are physically or mentally abused, or are being taken advantage of. If this is the case, get out, you deserve better. 

It is important to set boundaries and speak up to let the person who mistreated you know how you feel, and that you will not tolerate their behavior. If this person does not make changes, then that is likely not a healthy relationship for you to have. Especially if you can see the negative impact this is having on your mental health. Standing up for yourself preserves your self respect and can lead to less anxiety in your life. I see daily how hard it for people struggling with anxiety to set boundaries with others. This is an important life skill to have.

More to come on how to work on this…

xoxo,

Andrea