One of the best ways to sustain our health is by practicing prosocial behaviors. Prosocial behaviors have the intent of benefitting others, but by their action, also benefit us. When you practice mindfulness, kindness, gratitude, positivity, giving back, and forgiveness — you help lift your spirit, improve your mental health, and reduce the effects of negative emotions such as anxiety, fear and anger.
Focusing on the present, instead of feeling regret for the past or worrying about the future, is one of the best stress reducers and allows us to be open to other forms of emotional well-being.
- Try various forms of meditation practices to calm your thoughts such as guided imagery, deep breathing, soft music, or yoga.
- Increase your feel-good endorphins by being physically active. Go for a long walk or dance to your favorite songs.
- When you’re mindful, you’re able to pay attention to the needs of others.
When we are kind to people, it makes them happy. Kindness can have a “snowball” effect as the impact of your actions often inspires others to do the same.
- We never know what challenges and struggles others are facing, so practicing kindness is the best thing we can do to support others – and ourselves.
- “Random acts of kindness” are spontaneous bursts of kind actions towards strangers, like paying for someone’s coffee behind you in line or helping a stranger take bags to their car.
- The next time you think, “What’s in it for me?” take 30 seconds and ask yourself, “What’s in it for them?”
Gratitude allows us to think about what we have instead of what we don’t have, and view our friendships, challenges, and everything around us with a different perspective.
- When you find yourself stressed or angry, immediately think of one thing you’re grateful for. Soon it will become two things, then three, and so on. It’s hard to be angry and grateful at the same time.
- Gratitude strengthens our relationships. Don’t wait to tell someone what their thoughtful action meant to you and how their kindness affected your life.
- Make it a point of expressing gratitude to someone each day. This creates a cycle of kindness and gratitude where everyone involved is inspired to do more kind things for others.
Positivity
No matter the situation, good is there if you look for it.
- Choose to be optimistic. When negative thoughts enter your mind, acknowledge them, and then do your best to replace them with positive ones.
- Surround yourself with people who lift your spirits.
- Write down 3 things that surprised you or went well today.
Giving Back
The holidays are a season of giving.
- Donate gently used household items, toys, clothes, non-perishable foods, or money to those in need this holiday season.
- Look for holiday drives sponsored through your neighborhood, workplace, church, or school. Charitable organizations will often list what they need the most on a website or community flier.
- KPCares.org is an online platform sponsored by Kaiser Permanente to allow you to discover and sign up for volunteer opportunities in your area.
Forgiveness
Being able to forgive means we are letting go of negative emotions that weigh us down, allowing us to move forward.
- Misunderstandings happen; try to repair meaningful relationships.
- Anger and the weight of resentment are bad for your health. They increase your blood pressure, heart rate, stress and anxiety levels, and compromise your immune system. Don’t dwell on grudges or label people for mistakes they’ve made.
- Forgiveness is a process that doesn’t happen in an instant but takes time to truly achieve. Keep practicing forgiveness, even when it seems difficult.