The many benefits of being a little kinder

It’s an old cliché we’ve all heard time and again throughout our lives: “nice guys finish last.” Some people use the saying as an excuse for looking out for themselves, but they might want to develop a new mindset. Sure, nice people don’t always finish first, but more and more research is showing that finishing second is okay. Being kind to others has numerous benefits to the giver of kindness, such as reduced stress, increased life span and even improved success.

Often people relate the idea of giving to money. Financial giving is definitely important. However, generosity is about much more than giving money. People can give in many ways. Consider these:

Words. Words can be powerful, and giving someone the encouragement they need in any situation can be priceless. Sometimes, just a kind word can change someone’s day.

Time. For some people time is a much more precious commodity than money, so giving their time is a true act of sacrifice. You can give your time in any number of ways. You could volunteer to serve as a coach for a little league sports team or to serve meals in a homeless shelter.

Support. Rather than volunteering for an organization, some may give their time by providing support for people close to them. You could visit a relative who is home bound or lend an ear to a friend who is going through a hard time.

Giving — taking the time to be kind — benefits both those who receive the kindness and those who give it. As motivational writer Catherine Pulsifer says, “The great thing about helping and giving is that you get back twofold what you give. You get appreciation, recognition, a kind smile of gratitude or simply the sense that you helped in just one little way.” Today, take the time to be nice to someone.