It might surprise you to hear that being kind is not just right for the other person, it is good for you too! Skeptical? There is good scientific evidence to show that living up to the adage of doing unto others as you would have them do to you is one of the best things you can do for yourself! It lowers your blood pressure, improves your mood, and acts as a natural anti-depressant by boosting your brain’s serotonin levels.

So, what can you do to stay in the right frame of mind to be kind? After all, being kind is not always easy. Some days you want to grit your teeth and just grouse at the world. And there are some people it is tough to be kind. How can you change your approach to life to be as kind as you can? Here are three truths to remember when tempted to be unkind.

Remember what you can control and what you can not

It is a fact of life that other people can be rude, thoughtless, irritating, and even mean. They have opinions you disagree with. You can not change or control any of that. But you can control how you react. Kindness is always the best option for you and the other guy. Take a deep breath, count to ten, and bite back that retort or putdown. Practice being kind, and soon it will be second nature.

Anger does not help

Reacting with anger does not do anything to resolve a bad situation. Anger makes you feel terrible. It is likely to escalate things and will not get you the result you want. Even worse, anger can lead to all sorts of physical problems, from headaches to high blood pressure, sleep problems, and digestive issues. A lifetime habit of anger can even lead to a stroke or a heart attack. Recognize the potential to get angry and take a step back.

Kindness is always the right option

Whatever the situation, you will never go wrong if you are kind. Kindness also makes you an inspiring leader, a role model for others. Choosing to be kind in the face of frustration, even provocation, shows that conflict is not inevitable. Giving in to childish feelings of needing to be right or get what you want all the time is easy. But it breeds discontent and will not win you any friends.

Kindness breeds a more detached attitude to life. It encourages positive emotions and will help make you and the people around you calmer, happier, and more energized.

Until next time, stay safe, and keep the faith.