The InVisionary
The month of November is well-known for being a time to express gratitude as we reflect on the things we are thankful for from the past year, and throughout our lives. In addition to being a time for sharing sentiment with our family and friends in celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday, November also serves as a reminder to be kind—with the annual commemoration of World Kindness Day on November 13.
With everything that is occurring in the world around us, it’s easy to forget the basic principle of kindness, and the action of implementing kindness into our daily lives. Here at InVision, we believe kindness is at the center of human nature, and inspires unity among people of all backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, and walks of life. As such, we wanted to dedicate this article to discussing the background of World Kindness Day, kindness and mental health, and kindness at InVision.
According to National Today, World Kindness Day dates back to 1998—stemming from the Tokyo-based World Kindness Movement—with the mission of, “inspiring individuals and connecting nations to create a kinder world.” While not an officially recognized observance, World Kindness Day is honored internationally to promote kindness and encourage participation in acts of kindness, even in the simplest form. It also reminds us of the power showing kindness holds in terms of unity, finding meaning in our interactions with others, and purposeful thinking and behaviors.
Although World Kindness Day may come and go each year, treating others with respect and kindness lives far longer. Kindness has the power to inspire others and can be carried out anywhere and everywhere—at home, at work, at the grocery store; the list goes on.
Did you know that acts of kindness benefit both the giver, and the receiver? According to an article published by the American Psychiatric Association, research shows that there are mental health benefits to kindness. Results from a study by the University of Ohio—where individuals experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety were assigned to perform acts of kindness—found an increase in happiness and self-esteem, and a decrease in stress and emotional reactivity. Additionally, such acts of kindness can have a positive impact on stress levels and mood and even contribute to the reduction of symptoms seen in depression and anxiety.
The American Psychiatric Association article sums everything up with a powerful statement: “Another feature of acts of kindness, supported by research, is that it can be contagious. People who received acts of kindness were more likely to be more generous themselves.”
Not only does this message enforce the vitality of treating others with respect and kindness, but it also serves as a reminder to be kind to ourselves, and to be kind to others for ourselves.
We have all heard it before, but the value of the statement rings true: we never know what others are facing behind closed doors. Being kind to others is a paramount pillar in the foundation of our experience in a world that may not always be kind to us. It is essential for our mental wellbeing that we start with self-care, and show kindness to ourselves.
One of InVision Human Services’ greatest attributes is our embodiment of the guiding principle, “we treat others with respect and kindness.” As an organization, InVision strives to meet people where they are at, and provide a safe environment for both the people we support and our team members.
The work we do in the human services industry—as we come together to provide necessary supports for people who experience intellectual and development disabilities—is rooted in the philosophy of kindness. Our organizational vision of, “a future where all people are heard, their choices valued, and their life visions honored,” can be upheld in all aspects of our lives. It is a vision we can carry with us, even outside of the workplace.
We recognize that kindness is not always easy, but it is a choice we make. Not every act of kindness needs to be a grand gesture, have monetary value, or require much effort. It can be a smile at a stranger who seems to be having a bad day, helping out with chores around the house, or supporting your colleagues with a heavy workload. These small acts can go a long way in showing a person you care about them, while supporting our own mental health as well as theirs. It’s an infectious feeling.
We will leave everyone with a reminder, for November and beyond:
Treating ourselves and others with respect and kindness, sharing a compliment, encouraging laughter and joy, taking the time to notice when others are in need; are all just a few of the ways we as human beings connect universally. These are just a few of the ways we can work toward building a better world, one small act of kindness at a time.
If you or a loved one are facing mental health struggles, InVision Behavioral Health is here to help. Please visit our IBH webpage for more information or contact us at behavioralhealth@invisionhs.org or by calling (724) 933-2961.
With everything that is occurring in the world around us, it’s easy to forget the basic principle of kindness, and the action of implementing kindness into our daily lives. Here at InVision, we believe kindness is at the center of human nature, and inspires unity among people of all backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, and walks of life. As such, we wanted to dedicate this article to discussing the background of World Kindness Day, kindness and mental health, and kindness at InVision.The History of World Kindness Day
“Kindness is not always easy, but it is always necessary.” – Dr. Michael Greisler, licensed clinical psychologist, InVision Behavioral HealthAccording to National Today, World Kindness Day dates back to 1998—stemming from the Tokyo-based World Kindness Movement—with the mission of, “inspiring individuals and connecting nations to create a kinder world.” While not an officially recognized observance, World Kindness Day is honored internationally to promote kindness and encourage participation in acts of kindness, even in the simplest form. It also reminds us of the power showing kindness holds in terms of unity, finding meaning in our interactions with others, and purposeful thinking and behaviors.
Although World Kindness Day may come and go each year, treating others with respect and kindness lives far longer. Kindness has the power to inspire others and can be carried out anywhere and everywhere—at home, at work, at the grocery store; the list goes on.
Mental Health and Kindness
“Kindness demonstrates one's capacity to exercise compassion towards self and others.” – Faithe Bryant, outpatient counselor, InVision Behavioral HealthDid you know that acts of kindness benefit both the giver, and the receiver? According to an article published by the American Psychiatric Association, research shows that there are mental health benefits to kindness. Results from a study by the University of Ohio—where individuals experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety were assigned to perform acts of kindness—found an increase in happiness and self-esteem, and a decrease in stress and emotional reactivity. Additionally, such acts of kindness can have a positive impact on stress levels and mood and even contribute to the reduction of symptoms seen in depression and anxiety.The American Psychiatric Association article sums everything up with a powerful statement: “Another feature of acts of kindness, supported by research, is that it can be contagious. People who received acts of kindness were more likely to be more generous themselves.”
Not only does this message enforce the vitality of treating others with respect and kindness, but it also serves as a reminder to be kind to ourselves, and to be kind to others for ourselves.We have all heard it before, but the value of the statement rings true: we never know what others are facing behind closed doors. Being kind to others is a paramount pillar in the foundation of our experience in a world that may not always be kind to us. It is essential for our mental wellbeing that we start with self-care, and show kindness to ourselves.
Kindness at InVision Human Services
“Being kind to someone—without conditions or a reason—is one of the most remarkable gifts a human being can give to another.” – Lauren Burling, licensed clinical social worker, InVision Behavioral HealthOne of InVision Human Services’ greatest attributes is our embodiment of the guiding principle, “we treat others with respect and kindness.” As an organization, InVision strives to meet people where they are at, and provide a safe environment for both the people we support and our team members.The work we do in the human services industry—as we come together to provide necessary supports for people who experience intellectual and development disabilities—is rooted in the philosophy of kindness. Our organizational vision of, “a future where all people are heard, their choices valued, and their life visions honored,” can be upheld in all aspects of our lives. It is a vision we can carry with us, even outside of the workplace.
A Reminder of Kindness
We recognize that kindness is not always easy, but it is a choice we make. Not every act of kindness needs to be a grand gesture, have monetary value, or require much effort. It can be a smile at a stranger who seems to be having a bad day, helping out with chores around the house, or supporting your colleagues with a heavy workload. These small acts can go a long way in showing a person you care about them, while supporting our own mental health as well as theirs. It’s an infectious feeling.We will leave everyone with a reminder, for November and beyond:
Treating ourselves and others with respect and kindness, sharing a compliment, encouraging laughter and joy, taking the time to notice when others are in need; are all just a few of the ways we as human beings connect universally. These are just a few of the ways we can work toward building a better world, one small act of kindness at a time. If you or a loved one are facing mental health struggles, InVision Behavioral Health is here to help. Please visit our IBH webpage for more information or contact us at behavioralhealth@invisionhs.org or by calling (724) 933-2961.
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