Why Random Acts of Kindness Matter to Your Well-being

Yesterday, I started a conversation with a random lady whilst standing in line at the supermarket. Her energy seemed off (I do this all the time, and my kids hate it, but heyho that's me). Looking at what she was buying in her cart, I decided that would be a great conversation starter. "I'm intrigued by the ingredients in your cart," I said. "What are you going to cook this evening? ”. After a few seconds, she turned to respond and her eyes filled with tears. My first reaction was oh no! Is something happening? She caught herself before apologising. She basically explained that she'd lost her partner only a few weeks before to cancer, so she was simply on autopilot, putting one foot in front of the other in survival mode. I was so taken aback - I hadn't expected such a stark and honest explanation (although if am really honest, this happens to me all the time - hence the coaching journey).

After asking for her permission, I hugged her tightly, hoping to transfer positive energy to her. Our embrace lasted for a few moments. She thanked me for asking about her situation and for the hug. We spoke about her partner and how difficult she was finding it to cope. I could tell she was thankful for a listening ear, and it was a pleasure for me to be there for her. The whole scene must have looked like a hot mess to the other people in line - and I didn't care! Once she paid and was on her way out, she looked back at me and said, "You have no idea how much I needed that today, thank you." My heart literally burst!

When I got home and told my daughter about it she rolled her eyes and said “Mom, don’t you know that is your superpower? You see and feel things that the rest of us cannot." My response was to roll my eyes back at her, but she was right, it IS my superpower.

It got me thinking about random acts of kindness. They are simple yet powerful gestures that have a profound impact on both ourselves and others. Physiologically, kindness can positively change your brain. Being kind boosts serotonin and dopamine, the neurotransmitters in the brain that give you feelings of satisfaction and well-being, and cause the pleasure/reward centres in your brain to light up. You can also release endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers.

There is so much power in random acts of kindness to bridge gaps, restore faith in humanity, and make a real difference in the lives of others in a world that often feels divided and disconnected. My point isn’t for people to start hugging strangers up and down supermarket aisles, but for everyone to be more aware of the people around them. You never know what a smile will do for someone, so please, put your phone away and look someone in the eye today. Namaste 🙏