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JUNE 2024
The mood-boosting health benefits of kindness
Some days get the best of us. Traffic is awful. A friend or family member cancels their visit. You spill coffee in the breakroom. Your toilet backs up. It can be hard to keep smiling when it seems like everything’s working against you.
Fortunately, there’s a way to boost your mood at any time that’s completely within your control. It’s as simple as boosting someone else’s mood first.
And remember, your Costco benefits are always there for you to help you through a hard time or build your social connectedness.
Looking for more? Find other articles below
Being nice is a win-win
Many people have stories about how being nice to someone made them feel good. Now, science is beginning to help understand why.
Using brain imaging, researchers found that receiving money increases activity in the brain’s reward system, the same area of the brain that releases feel-good chemicals when stimulated by food or a good nap.1 But that’s not all. Donating to a charity also had the same effect. In other words, both giving and receiving kindness can produce a natural high.
But you don’t have to spend money to reap the benefits of being nice. According to a study in The Journal of Social Psychology, people aged 18 to 60 who carried out random acts of kindness every day for 10 days reported higher life satisfaction than those who didn’t.2 Spreading good vibes can really pay off.
Kindness doesn’t have to cost a thing
These everyday acts can leave a big impact on a fellow human being. Try one out to see how it feels. And if you need help nurturing your relationships, access free, personalized virtual mental health programs through programs such as AbleTo.*
Tell someone they’re doing a great job
Noticing the work someone is putting in and saying thank you can make a huge difference in their day. Try things such as leaving a thank you note for your mail carrier, writing a Yelp review about a great waiter, or giving a fist bump to a helpful coworker.
Let someone else go first
Slowing down often creates opportunities to be kind. Maybe it’s letting a car merge in front of you in traffic. Or letting a person with fewer items at the grocery store check out before you. There are countless ways being a little patient can make all the difference to someone else.
Give something other than money
What do you own that you can give away? Consider carrying items like granola bars or new socks that you can give to unhoused folks. Or pack up used amenities that are still in good condition, like towels and sheets. Many animal shelters accept old linens to keep their animals warm.
Offer up your time
Everyone needs a break sometimes. If you know someone with kids or pets, offering to babysit or pet sit for free can be a huge help. Weed a busy neighbor’s garden. Help a friend clean out their closet. Or volunteer for a cause you believe in, such as Costco’s Reading Buddies program, where you help a young reader once a week at a school in your community. If interested, talk to your manager for more information.
Pay someone a compliment
It’s human nature to think that when someone is looking at you, they’re judging you. Flip this perception on its head. The next time you’re loving a coworker’s style, let them know.
Do someone else’s chores
Whether it’s a roommate, family member, or friend, everyone gets overwhelmed. Sometimes just doing something small, like the dishes when it’s not your turn, can help someone else catch their breath.
Get in touch
Lots of people touch our lives without ever really knowing their impact. If there’s an old teacher, coach, or manager that changed your life, send them a message of gratitude. It could be exactly what they need that day.
Kindness breeds kindness
At the end of the day, you don’t need a lot of money or a lot of time to show kindness. Sometimes, it can be as simple as making eye contact, saying hi, or just offering a smile.
If someone doesn’t wave back or express gratitude, that’s ok. Move on to the next opportunity. Kindness has a ripple effect. If you keep expressing it, it will keep coming back to you.
Check out the resources below to get the personal support you need to create stronger and healthier connections.
*Not available in Puerto Rico.
1Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Human fronto-mesolimbic networks guide decisions about charitable donation.
2The Journal of Social Psychology. Acts of kindness and acts of novelty affect life satisfaction.
Source:
AbleTo. 7 easy ways to make someone’s day (including your own)
Resources for you
- AbleTo helps you keep a positive outlook by providing support for the daily stressors that can impact your mood. Their eight-week programs include therapy, coaching and helpful tools. Available at no cost to you and your family members age 13+ enrolled in a Costco medical plan. To learn more, visit AbleTo.com/Costco or call 833-881-1444.
- Resources for Living offers support for families and relationships, including six free counseling sessions with in-person, televideo and chat options. This free and confidential program is available to you, your household members and dependent children up to age 26. Visit RFL.com/Costco or call 833-721-2320 (TTY: 711) to learn more.
- Resources for Living offers support for families and relationships, including six free counseling sessions with in-person, televideo and chat options. This free and confidential program is available to you, your household members and dependent children up to age 26. Visit RFL.com/Costco or call 833-721-2320 (TTY: 711) to learn more.
- AbleTo helps you keep a positive outlook by providing support for the daily stressors that can impact your mood. Their eight-week programs include therapy, coaching and helpful tools. Available at no cost to you and your family members age 13+ enrolled in a Costco medical plan. To learn more, visit AbleTo.com/Costco or call 833-881-1444.
- Resources for Living offers support for families and relationships, including six free counseling sessions with in-person, televideo and chat options. This free and confidential program is available to you, your household members and dependent children up to age 26. Visit RFL.com/Costco or call 833-721-2320 (TTY: 711) to learn more.