Hospital Radio: How to practice kindness through giving

I am not quite sure how watching Alan Carr win Celebrity Traitors led me to write an article on kindness.

I just thought it was incredibly kind for him to pick Neuroblastoma UK, which tackles childhood cancer as his chosen charity. Then to win £87,500 prize money for them was amazing, even the losers were kind enough to congratulate him on his victory.

Now I know we have not always got the same opportunities as the stars on that show, but in our own little way we can pick a good cause and support them, I think of it as kindness through giving.

It does not always have to be a financial gift, there are many ways that we can help others. Research shows that being kind is genuinely good for you. It boosts your mental and physical well-being, strengthens relationships, and even contributes to a longer, happier life.

So why wouldn’t you want to be kind hearted, you can do it for nothing. I volunteer here at the hospital radio station, but you could equally volunteer at a school, a community event or one of the many charities around the bay.

I always feel so grateful when someone helps me and there are many people who share their skills to help those who need them. Cooking for people perhaps if they are unwell, fixing things which may save the cost of an expensive repair, the opportunities are endless. Maybe you have a skill that could help others? 

Torquay has its own repair shop in the Skills Centre in Lime Avenue. With the help of some community development funding from Sanctuary Housing they have opened up their skills centre on a Thursday evening. There is a small team of volunteers who use their expertise to try and fix the items brought in. This might be items of furniture, clothing that needs mending, electrical items or something of sentimental value that just needs a little bit of TLC! That’s kindness for you.

I believe that just a simple ‘hello’ in the street and a smile to a stranger can brighten my day and hopefully the other person. A smile is incredibly strong, as is holding the door open for someone behind you or letting someone go ahead of you in in a queue if you are not in a rush.

It’s not old fashioned to do that, it’s just kind. It is always nice to receive a compliment so never be afraid to dish out a sincere compliment, especially to someone who might not be expecting it, why not give it a try, trust me it isn’t hard.

I know good manners seem to have passed some people by, but you shouldn’t let that change your behaviours. A simple please or thank you can get you far in life and it costs nothing at all.

Another thing that gives me an immense feeling of happiness is trying to help others when they are struggling with something or doubting themselves, a bit of encouragement costs nothing but that simple act of kindness through words can set a person on the right track. You could follow it up with a note or message to someone, both you and they will appreciate it, I’m sure.

Finally, of course take some time for yourself, encourage yourself like you might a friend and don’t be afraid to take a break to refresh your batteries. I had a to do list when I started writing this article, with a few easy to do items first, celebrating those small wins is great way to encourage yourself.

And if you do get something wrong, I suggest you forgive yourself. I just like to thank Alan Carr, who somehow gave me the inspiration for this article. So please be kind it costs nothing and it can make you feel good. Thanks for reading.