10 simple ideas to spread kindness in your world
hello • 13 November 2019
Being kind has been linked with releasing feel-good hormones, having reduced stress and even living longer, and it’s something we can all do to improve our mental wellbeing and the world around us.
Being kind isn’t just something we can do for other people. It’s important to be kind to ourselves and be mindful about what we personally need to be happy and healthy.
We’ve asked some R U OK? Ambassadors to share tips on how to spread kindness, so you can brighten your world and the world of others.
How can you spread kindness?
1. Bianca Dye: For me kindness is about ‘random acts of kindness’, it’s about keeping your eye out for opportunities - no matter how small - and doing something for somebody else to make them feel good about their situation.
2. Kevin Heath: Spreading kindness can be as simple as starting a conversation. It doesn’t have to be a really deep conversation - just letting people feel connected and heard can really turn someone’s day around and give them the confidence to keep connecting with others.
3. Rob Mills: It can be as small as giving a compliment to a colleague at work, or giving someone a call to say thanks.
4. Sam Mac: Life and work can move so fast that we rarely get time to properly appreciate the achievements of our colleagues. Taking the time to give someone a detailed “thank you” or “well done” can mean more than you'll ever know. Everybody wants to be loved and everybody deserves to know when they're doing a great job.
5. Rowena Saheb: Be kind to yourself. When you understand the value and impact of kindness for yourself, you will incorporate into your daily cache of goodness towards others.
6. Emilie Emond: Don't underestimate the power of a smile. Before you even say anything, a smile lets the other person know you are there for them. It's an easy way to brighten someone's day!
7. Ryan Daykin: Ask a friend out for lunch or give someone a call out of the blue and ask them how they are doing.
8. Alli Langdon: Think how our actions affect others and do one kind thing a day - it could be as simple as saying hello to a stranger.
9. Ben Burgess: Treat others how you wish to be treated - being kind is free.
10. Barry Conrad: Never withhold encouragement or pass up an opportunity to make someone’s day. If you think something positive about a person, tell them.
From growing up on farms to a shared interest in history, Australians, young and old, are discovering just how much they have in common, and how storytelling can connect generations in unexpected ways. What’s bringing them together is 'Heart and Soul Story', a social enterprise that fosters intergenerational connections. Through its programs, young people and older generations come together in aged care homes and schools to share stories, build life skills, and prevent loneliness. At a recent session which encouraged everyone to Ask R U OK? Any Day, students visited an aged-care community with R U OK? Conversation Bingo cards, which feature prompts to spark humour, curiosity, and connection.
The recent incident in Sydney has left many feeling distressed and overwhelmed, and you may notice the children in your life are struggling too. Below, you’ll find advice from mental health experts on caring for your own wellbeing, and providing meaningful support to others in the days and weeks ahead. Talking to children about traumatic events Children are likely to have seen and heard distressing information about this incident. Ongoing news coverage, images and discussion can intensify feelings of anxiety, sadness and anger. The Child Mind Institute has published a practical guide to help parents and carers talk with children about traumatic events. The guide offers practical age-specific advice and has been developed by experts in child psychology, you can access this guide here . Events involving violence or serious harm can be especially difficult for children to understand or discuss. The guide focuses on helping children feel safe, supported and reassured, and encourages parents, carers or guardians to: Provide comfort and reassurance, including physical affection Remain calm and measured when discussing the event Maintain regular routines to restore a sense of normality Encourage play, connection and time with others Share honest, age-appropriate information from trusted sources Limit children’s exposure to news, especially younger children Listen patiently and validate children’s feelings Recognise that fear, anger, sadness or guilt are all normal reactions Looking after yourself, and supporting others Rachel Clements, R U OK? Advisor, and Director of Psychological Services at Centre for Corporate Health, said strong emotional reactions are normal and healthy for people of all ages following public acts of violence, even among those not directly impacted. “Some reactions that are incredibly normal are concern, shock, horror, disbelief. When that wears off sometimes, people experience stronger feelings, sometimes anger, despair, sadness, anxiety or fear-based behaviour." Ms Clements advised that connecting with friends, sporting clubs, or workplace networks, and simply asking ‘are you OK?’, can play a key role in supporting people experiencing distress. "This event will disrupt the nervous system. One of the most important things we can do is stay connected, talk to each other and lean into supportive conversations,” Ms Clements said. She suggested starting a genuine conversation by asking questions such as: 'it's been tough watching this information coming to light, how are you feeling about it?’ “Then, all you’ve got to do is listen with empathy, without judgment or interruption, and just allow someone to talk about their experience and how they are feeling. When it is the right time in the conversation, you can then gently guide someone towards supportive actions, like doing some gentle exercise, staying connected with friends and family, or maintaining regular routines.” Ms Clements emphasised the importance of checking in again to ensure people have continued support. If you notice someone’s distress is ongoing for several weeks and begins to affect their work or social life, professional help should be encouraged. If you or the children in your care are experiencing ongoing distress, consider speaking with a doctor or another trusted healthcare provider. Free and professional 24/7counselling services are available, find contact details here . If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. Ask R U OK? Any Day.
This year, Australians continued to grow their confidence and capability to ask, 'are you OK?' any day of the year - reminding us how real connection and meaningful conversations can happen in the most ordinary, everyday moments. Across every age and stage of life, people helped normalise these important check-ins by looking out for one another, reducing stigma, and driving genuine change. Thanks to our supporters, awareness continues to expand in schools, workplaces, sporting clubs, and communities in every corner of Australia. Thank you to everyone who started conversations, and to everyone who supported the mission and work of R U OK?. Below is a short video which shares a glimpse of the activity made possible through collaboration. *Voice-over by former-CEO, Katherine Newton.
