Saying something nice promotes our wellbeing
This post is part of the “Say Something Nice” Event by the Depression Support SubCommunity.
See the Event Masterpost by clicking HERE
Saying something nice promotes our wellbeing
Cultivating the habit of saying nice things to others not only shows kindness or politeness; it also has significant benefits for our own well-being and, as a collective practice, it might positively impact society at large.
There is scientific evidence that being nice to others leads to positive emotional states. Even at the brain level. When we do something kind for someone else, like saying something nice to them, we experience a release of dopamine in our brains, which produces feelings of pleasure and happiness. This chemical response is the same as the one we experience when we engage in other pleasurable activities, such as eating delicious food or spending time with close friends and loved ones.
Saying nice words brings Positive Emotions
Being nice to others can also help cultivate positive emotions such as compassion, empathy, and gratitude. These emotions have been proven to promote greater well-being and increased life satisfaction.
Saying words of Compassion
Compassion is the ability to understand and feel the suffering of others and to take action to alleviate that suffering. When we demonstrate compassion towards others with kind words, we not only help them but also experience a sense of connection and purpose that can improve our own mental health.
Showing that we care: Empathy
Empathy is the ability to put ourselves in someone else's shoes and to feel what they are feeling. This allows us to say nice things that relate specifically to their situation and feelings, which shows that we took an effort to understand them and that we really care. When we show empathy, we create a sense of closeness and understanding that can strengthen our relationships and foster a greater sense of community.
Gratitude: say “Thank you” as often as possible
Gratitude is the act of being thankful, in particular for the good things, big and small, that other people bring to our lives. When we say words of gratitude to others, we acknowledge the positive impact they have on our lives and create a sense of positivity that can influence our outlook on life. According to scientific research, gratitude is among the most powerful tools we have to feel better.
Nice words have a “ripple effect”
Being nice to others can also have a ripple effect, leading to a chain reaction of kindness and positivity. When we show kindness towards someone, they are more likely to pay it forward and show kindness to someone else. This creates a cycle of positivity that can have a far-reaching impact on our communities and society as a whole.
In conclusion, saying regularly something nice to others is not just a way to show kindness or be polite. It might have a significant impact on our own well-being, cultivating positive emotions such as compassion, empathy, and gratitude. It can also have a ripple effect, leading to a chain reaction of kindness and positivity that can benefit our communities and society as a whole.
Let us all cultivate the habit of saying something nice to others, striving to be kind, compassionate, and empathetic in our words, and we all will reap the benefits, personally in the short term and, hopefully, as a society in the longer term.
Think of people in your life who you rarely or never compliment.
What nice things could you say to each of them?
Would you make it a regular practice?
I look forward to your comments.
All the best!
Marcelo.
To receive notifications, press HERE to add yourself to our taglist
Learn HERE how to join the Depression Support team. We welcome you with open arms!
Tagging taglist subscribers: [phantom-tagged DS taglist]