Kindness is more than a simple act—it’s a heart-healthy habit. A study in the Journal of Social Psychology found that performing acts of kindness for seven days significantly boosted happiness. Whether it’s being kind to yourself, a friend, or a stranger—or simply witnessing kindness—these actions elevate mood and create a ripple effect of positivity.
Kindness has many forms, but the purest requires no expectation of return. Challenge yourself to a 7-day Kindness Intervention: do one kind act daily and notice the physical and emotional impact. Ideas include:
- Shoveling a neighbor’s sidewalk.
- Offering help to someone struggling.
- Bringing food to an animal shelter.
- Writing a positive review for a local business.
- Sending flowers to brighten someone’s day.
Kindness isn’t just something we extend to others—it’s vital to show kindness to ourselves. Our internal dialogue shapes how we feel and function. Replacing self-critical thoughts with compassionate ones can lower stress, boost self-esteem, and improve overall well-being. For example, instead of thinking, “I’m not good enough,” try reframing it to, “I’m doing my best, and that’s enough.”
Treat yourself as you would a close friend—acknowledging your efforts, offering grace for mistakes, and celebrating small victories. Self-kindness fuels resilience and creates a strong foundation for emotional and physical health
This month, pair kindness with heart-healthy habits like balanced eating and staying active—remember, 80% of heart disease cases are preventable!
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.