This year I want to work on improving my positivity and my mindfulness in motherhood. Lately I have been feeling the overwhelm of losing “myself” in motherhood and want to work on being the positive, optimistic person I was before children.
If anyone else feels this way I invite you to join me on my Motherhood Mindfulness Challenge of 2020. Each month I will have a different focus for the series and work through a mini-challenge for that month.
I will also try and incorporate a way you can do this challenge with your children so they can work on building the foundation of a positive mindset and reap the benefits of mindfulness. You can make it a Family Kindness Challenge if you’d like!
This Motherhood Mindfulness series will start with a Random Acts of Kindness Mini-Challenge for February. As February 17th, 2020 is Random Acts of Kindness Day.
What Are Random Acts of Kindness
You’ve probably been the recipient of a random act of kindness (ROAK) in your lifetime. Think back to an instance in which someone has helped you out of a tough time or when a friend simply paid you a kind compliment.
A sweet surprise like this can really brighten your day. Did you also know such experiences can also be good for your health and overall well-being? It’s true. A random act of kindness can be a good deed, caring word, selfless act or small gift. Even a smile while walking past can brighten someone’s day.
Benefits of Participating in Random Acts of Kindness
Encourage Gratitude
Doing something nice for someone else can remind you to be grateful for what you do have. This is especially true when the recipient of your act has less fortunate circumstances than you or are going through a rough patch in life.
When you realize you’re able to give even the smallest bit of yourself to someone else, it reveals a clear perspective on the abundance you have in your life.
This is a great time to look into a Gratitude Journal, even as a busy mom you can still benefit from a gratitude journal. I have found a way to incorporate an simple DIY Daily Gratitude Journal into my life that only takes me 1 minute each day.
For Kids | Create a habit where at the end of each day you have a conversation with your child where they tell you something they were grateful for that day. This can be during bath time or right before/after bedtime story. A simple moment that will build a positive mindset foundation for your children.
Related Post: 8 Signs You’re Doing Okay in Life As A Mom
Improved Mood
Numerous studies have shown a positive effect on mood when people engage in random acts of kindness. You’re bound to have a more positive outlook on life in general when you do see the positive effects of kindness.
Improved mood, decrease in anxiety and higher energy levels have all been linked to random acts of kindness. In fact, research has demonstrated that the pleasure and reward centers of the brain actually light up in those who perform these acts in much the same way as they respond in the recipients. It even has a name, “helper’s high.”
So by performing a random act of kindness you are improving the mood of the recipient as well as yourself, thus promoting a more positive community in general. This community can be members from your own household, or your local community.
Decreased Stress Levels
Stepping out of ourselves in order to focus on someone releases feel-good hormones and increases your happiness. Suddenly, your troubles may seem a bit less burdensome. Plus, doing so makes the other person feel good. It will make them feel “noticed” and that will help them have less stress.
In a fast paced society stress creeps us on all of us fairly quickly, but slowing down to do a small act can help us readjust our focus and shake off some of that stress.
Improve Health
You might even feel physically better when you practice kindness. With the endorphins that are released in the brain after doing something for someone else, a physical positive affect occurs.
Endorphins are hormones produced in the brain and nervous system. They’re often referred to as natural painkillers for their pain reducing abilities. It may not be enough to move mountains, but little things add up and can make us feel better.
It has also been noted by Mayo Clinic to improve sleep and diminish fatigue (something every parent needs).
Stronger Relationships
Random acts of kindness promote good feelings among people and increase connections. These bonds can lead to stronger relationships and lasting positive interpersonal results. When you do something nice for another person, they will naturally recall that memory with a positive feeling attached.
Reflect on the Meaning of ROAK
These are merely a handful of the rewards that come from doing random acts of kindness. Remember, it doesn’t matter how small the gesture. Doing good always makes a positive difference to both the giver and the recipient. That in turn will make your community of better place.
Everyone Benefits from Being Kind.
Examples of Random Acts of Kindness To Inspire You
Performing random acts of kindness may be new to you, so you may have no idea where to start. That’s okay!
Coming up with ideas can be tough, so here is a list packed full of things you can do to make someone else’s day a little brighter. Some activities will cost you nothing and take only a moment of your time. Others are more in-depth.
Find an activity that suits your comfort level and the occasion. May you either use activities from this list, or may they inspire you with your own unique idea.
List of Inspiring Ideas for Random Acts of Kindness
- Hold the door open for someone behind you whose hands are full.
- Have a cup of tea with an elderly neighbor.
- Take the new employee to lunch.
- Volunteer. At a nursing home, a homeless shelter, a food pantry, your kid’s school, anywhere.
- Make Valentines for those in a nursing home (Great for kids).
- Send “Thinking of You” card to a family member or old friend.
- Smile at someone on the street.
- Give an random positive compliment.
- Bake cookies for the neighbor.
- Inform the manager when an worker gives you great service.
- Leave kind post-it notes in the dressing room to encourage body positivity.
- Offer to babysit for parents who really need a night away.
- Clean up the trash in your favorite recreation spot like a park or beach.
- Allow the shopper in the grocery line move ahead of you if you only have a few items and their cart is full.
- Visit a nursing home just to spend time with those who rarely receive visitors.
- Send handwritten “Thank You” note to someone who has helped you out.
- Pay for someone’s coffee who is line behind you.
- Tape change to a parking meter or vending machine.
- Fund-raise by participating sponsored walk or activity.
- Shovel the driveway for elderly neighbors or those who may otherwise have trouble doing the job themselves. Mowing lawns and raking leaves are also good ideas. (Great idea for kids)
- Ask for donations to your favorite charity instead of presents for your birthday.
- Mentor a young adult interested in your profession.
- Donate Kids Clothes to Charity
- Treat someone to a coffee and listen to them about their day.
- Host a dinner for friends.
Hopefully, this brief list will inspire you to start sharing random acts of kindness with those around you. Pick one from the list or come up with an idea of your own, then just do it. See how you feel. Chances are you’ll be ready to do another one tomorrow!
Random Acts of Kindness Series for February 2020 : Part 1
