ANDBeing kind should be a givenyet this is not the case. Not by chance World Kindness Day was established in 1997. A more polite and empathetic behavior is not only good for society but also has benefits for individuals. For example? The immune system is strengthened and you sleep better. Being kind is therefore not a duty towards the world but also towards ourselves.
World Kindness Day, the first law proposal to institutionalize it also in Italy
World Kindness Day was established to commemorate the first conference on the topic held in Tokyo in 1997 and which led to the signing of the first Kindness Declaration. Since then some progress has been made. In fact, the Japan is not the only country to have proposed laws of mutual respect and cultural inclusionsuch as the Tolerance Education Program carried out in schools. Also in Canada, for example, the Multiculturalism Act had already been passed in 1988, a federal law aimed at respecting and promoting multiculturalism. In Australia is in effect the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence against bullying and violence, particularly in schools. In Scandinavian countries, respect for others and inclusion are fundamental concepts in public policies. In Bhutan even calculates Gross National Happinessan alternative to GDP that focuses on four items: economic development, cultural preservation, environmental protection and good governance.
And in Italy? Our country is also making progress on the topic. It is news in recent days that Natalia Re, President of the MIG, Italian Kindness Movement, has presented a bill. The idea is to introduce kindness among the XIII BES, i.e. the indicators highlighted by ISTATsuch as social, cultural and environmental assessments, which define the progress of a country. According to the president of the MIG, introducing kindness among these parameters would also highlight the country’s intention to build a more inclusive, respectful and supportive society. A project carried forward, in practice. For example with educational programs that prevent bullying, including onlineboth in schools and in the workplace, as well as the drafting of the Charter of the Six Values of Kindness. It contains six fundamental principles – respect, listening, solidarity, fairness, patience and generosity – designed to be used to guide public policies. But why is it so important to be kind?
The positive effects of kindness on emotional and mental well-being
«Kindness increases the sense of satisfaction and the sense of self-efficacy and self-esteem also increases. In fact, it produces a real Self-kindness effect, kindness towards oneself which is important because it helps us overcome difficult moments. In general it makes us feel more satisfied, useful, connected and part of a group» explains the doctor Alice Braghieri, psychologist with a cognitive behavioral orientation, also available on MioDottore.it. Kind behavior, in fact, involves neurotransmitters that begin to produce feelings of happinesspleasure and well-being, thus lowering the body’s stress load.
Benefits for the body demonstrated by many studies: «On a physical level, several clinical studies demonstrate that practicing acts of kindness produces an increase in oxytocin and serotoninthe hormones of well-being. This has positive effects on our organism. As lowering stress levels, blood pressure and cortisol in the blood, strengthening the immune system and improving sleep. Not to mention the benefits on longevity.”
Not to mention that being kind also has consequences for society itself: «Performing kind acts contributes to increase social connection and our sense of belonging in our social context. Increases cooperation within the group and the sense of empathy. Furthermore, social relationships are strengthened, trust is promoted and social isolation is reduced. All characteristics that contribute to creating more resistant and socially resilient communities. Finally, kindness is a fundamental element of the law of attraction. TOIt attracts positive energy and experiences and helps create a circle of self-incentivising positive actions».
How to cultivate kindness in everyday life
So how can we be kinder? For example, as the psychologist explains, starting with oneself, starting to dedicate time to yourself and taking care of yourself. And then broaden the concept, learning to take care of something or someone else, a plant, a garden, an animal.
«Keeping a diary, or in any case making a summary at the end of the day, of kindness by writing the kindness received and that given helps to realize that it is not that difficult to put into practice. Another fundamental behavior is listen to others without interrupting and above all smile at others. Finally, if you are a family and especially there are children, you can keep a kindness jar in which to fish and carry out a kind action. An idea that can also be put into practice at school or in the office.”