Now that we’ve logged our new year resolutions for 2025, let’s add another which doesn’t require quitting bad habits, hitting the road for a run, watching what you eat or getting your body into the gym.
Why practise kindness?
According to EAPA-SA, 2023 research-based estimates show that as many as 25% of South African employees will be diagnosed with depression in their work lives. However, only between 15%-25% will seek and receive help. A report from Sapien Labs published in March 2022 ranked South Africa as one of the worst for mental health.
A study by Wits University found that 25.7% of South Africans are probably depressed, with over a quarter of respondents reporting moderate to severe symptoms of depression. If you’re a numbers person or business owner, mental disorders such as depression costs our economy an estimated R19 billion annually through absenteeism.
We don’t know what the person sitting next to us is going through, so let’s practice kindness.
Can being kind benefit your own mental health?
Yes, according to SACAP, the South African College of Applied Psychology.
- Acts of kindness trigger the release of dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical which can enhance your mood.
- Oxytocin – often referred to as the ‘love hormone’ – is also released which helps with fostering bonds and trust.
- The simple act of kindness can also reduce cortisol, helping to keep stress in check.
Kind actions can also reduce cortisol levels, helping to keep stress in check.
Importantly, as we travel through this new year be kind to yourself as much as you are to others.
Yours in kindness
Link.
While all reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this article, information may change or become dated, as new developments occur. The Link group shall not be held liable or accountable for the accuracy, completeness or correctness of any information for any purpose. No content in this article, irrespective of the date or reference source, should be viewed as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor, pharmacist or any other suitably qualified clinician.
References: