World Kindness Day is celebrated each year on November 13th to support the act of making the world a better place through small acts of kindness. It was launched in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement which had been formed the year before in Tokyo through a group of like-minded people and organisations.
This year's theme for World Kindness day is EMPATHY, feeling the pains of others, and touching lives in a positive way. Highlighting our communities' good deeds and focus on the positive power and common thread of kindness. Kindness is an intrinsic part of the human condition which bridges the divides of race, religion, politics, and gender to bind us together.
When you are kind to others, it not only changes you, but it also changes the world
Harold Kushner
Several studies across the world have shown that practicing kindness either through committing an act of kindness or gratitude for receiving kindness, can boost serotonin and dopamine levels in your brain. These are known as the 'happy hormones' and their levels can be directly related to our mental well being and overall health.
If you are looking for ideas for ways of adding small acts of kindness to your everyday life this graphic from Random Acts of Kindness is a great place to begin.