It might surprise you to hear that being kind isn’t just good for the other person; it’s good for you too! Skeptical? Good scientific evidence shows 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 the serotonin levels in your brain.

So, what can you do to stay in the right frame of mind to be kind? After all, being kind isn’t always easy. Some days you want to grit your teeth and grouse at the world. And there are some people it’s tough to be kind to. 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’t

It’s a fact that other people can be rude, thoughtless, irritating, and even mean.

• They have opinions you disagree with.
• You can’t 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 doesn’t help

Reacting with anger doesn’t do anything to resolve a bad situation. Anger makes you feel terrible. It’s likely to escalate things and won’t get you the desired result. Even worse, anger can lead to all sorts of physical problems, from headaches to high blood pressure, sleep problems, and digestive issues. A lifetime anger habit 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’re kind. Kindness also makes you an inspiring leader and 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 always get what you want is easy. But it breeds discontent and won’t win you any friends.

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

Until next time, stay safe and keep the faith.