You don’t have to go outside to know it’s cold out there. The wind is howling, the snow is blowing and the mercury is ready to fall through the floor. It’s another happy January! Those cold temperatures may not bring out the better angels of your nature, but the depth of winter is the best time for kindness.

You know that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you do something nice for someone? There’s research to support the idea that the warm glow we get from helping others is very real. When we do something nice for someone the reward centers in the brain are more active, using more oxygen and triggering the release of positive endorphins. One of these chemicals is Oxytocin, which reduces inflammation. The release of Oxytocin can be triggered by even a small act of kindness. In short, these types of brain chemicals increase our sense of wellbeing— just what we need when we’re trying to thwart the winter’s chill.

Being kind has another added effect, too. Those same brain chemicals that make us feel all warm inside not only help our mood, lower our heart rate and reduce stress, but they also provide a boost to our immune systems, which are under enough stress as it is. Along with a flu shot, hand sanitizer and plenty of vitamin C, it’s another great defense against winter.

So don’t let the frigid grip of winter get you down. Do something nice for someone and enjoy a warm feeling both inside and out.

We’ve all been stressed out at times, and it’s in those times that we most want to lash out. Whether it’s the slow driver who’s making us late to work or the family member who forgot to pick up milk on the way home, we’re ready to let them know their faults. Of course, we know it’s not a good thing to do. It’s bad for our safety in the case of the slow driver, and yelling over un-bought milk isn’t going to help our relationship with our family in the slightest.

Kindness is the way to go. Not only does it help make our days smoother and more fulfilling, but it can also ensure we have more days. Yes, kindness can help you live longer. The reason is pretty simple. When we’re angry, our brains start producing endorphins that increase our heartbeat, raise our blood pressure and stiffens up our muscles. While a little stress can be a healthy motivator, too much of it can make us more susceptible to injury or illness.

Kindness has the opposite effect. When we’re willing to be kind and to forgive, we’re calmer and happier. Our heart rate goes down, right along with our blood pressure. Not only that, but research shows kindness gives our immune system a boost.

They say nice people finish last. We know that’s not true, but kindness may just help them live longer.

It seems fitting to talk about kindness during the month of January. It may be cold, but kindness can break an icy heart. The weather might be harsh and gloomy, but it doesn’t mean we have to be. January is also the month we honor Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. for his many contributions to the world we know. Kindness was an integral part of who King was, and it makes him the perfect example for our series on kindness. King knew civil rights couldn’t be won “by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred” but through acts of kindness.

We can read about and be inspired by Dr. King’s life, but the best way to celebrate what he believed in, is through acts of service. “The time is always right to do the right thing”, he once said. That’s why Martin Luther King Jr. Day is also a day of national service. In other words, it’s a day to be kind.

Take a look around your community. Check in on your neighbors. Assist a local charity in a worthy cause. Help a friend, family member or even a total stranger. And though our actions are important, kindness isn’t just about what we do. It’s about the way we think as well and how we judge others. A kind heart is a great way to start your day.

King is forever associated with the Civil Right Movement of the 1960’s, but dry history books don’t fully encapsulate everything he stood for. Kindness was at the heart of everything he did. He knew achievement in life wasn’t about what we can do for ourselves, but what we can do for others. This January, honor the legacy of Doctor King by doing something good for your community.

“There’s nothing like an act of kindness to ruin a perfectly good bad mood.”

         ~ Anonymous

In our series of articles this month, we’re going to be concentrating on kindness. You’ll hear plenty of people talk about the importance of a positive attitude, but sometimes that’s easier said than done. It’s easy to get frustrated during your day. Someone cuts you off in traffic. A coworker is late with a critical report. We’re understandably irritable. It’s tempting to lash out, but that only adds to the chain of discontent. Change things up with an act of kindness.

It can be large or small. Maybe you can give someone a smile instead of a snarl or a pass along compliment instead of a growl. It can be contagious because while you’re concentrating on doing something nice for someone else, you’re forgetting about all the tough things that have happened during your day. You’re concentrating on the good instead of the bad. That starts the chain moving in the right direction. Not only do you feel a little better, but that other person will feel better and perhaps pass it along to someone else and maybe even back to you. Kindness is the gift that keeps on giving.

It’s easy to get discouraged with all the bad things that are happening in the world today. Don’t let it get to you. Concentrate on what you can control. Practice a random act of kindness to make your little corner of the world a better place.

Well, 2019 is almost in the books. It seems like it took no time at all, but here we are getting ready to leap into 2020. It’s pretty exciting, and you’ll probably want to ring in the new year in style. However before you break out the bubbly and sing another round of Auld Lang Syne, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind.

It’s a no-brainer that you shouldn’t drink and drive, but you actually need to think one step beyond that and plan out exactly how you’re going to get home safely. New Year’s Eve is a busy night for cabbies, so you may not be able to find a taxi as easily as you think. If you’re hosting the party, consider how your guests are going to get home.

If you’re planning to go out to an unfamiliar place, take the time to scout your surroundings before you start drinking. Even if you feel comfortable with the people with you, make sure you know where the exits are in case of emergency. If it looks like you’ve come to a flea-ridden fire trap, you probably have. If you’re spending New Years’ with people you don’t know well, make sure to never leave your drink unattended. Ever.

Finally, New Years’ falls in the dead of winter, so make sure to dress appropriately. Sure you’re not planning to spend a lot of time outside, but you never know when a coat may come in handy.

Above all, have fun! Yes, you do need to plan ahead a little and take a few precautions, but there’s no reason you can’t still have a blast.

Happy 2020 everyone!

It’s been said that there are three stages in life. In the first you believe in Santa Claus, in the second you don’t believe in Santa, and in the third you are Santa. Regardless of what phase you fall into, Christmas is celebrated by millions of people around the world. Of course, Jingle Bells and Santa Claus aren’t for everyone. Whether for personal or religious reasons, plenty of people decide to give Christmas the miss. That’s okay. It doesn’t mean you can’t make December 25^th a fun and meaningful day. In fact, if you don’t happen to celebrate Christmas, it opens up a lot of possibilities.

For instance, you can treat yourself or someone you care about to a special day. It doesn’t even have to be a gift. You can go out for a candlelit dinner or go take in that show that you’ve wanted to see for a while.

If the snow and pine trees don’t bring out your holiday spirit, how about sunshine and palm trees? December is cold and icy, so it might be the perfect time to take the money you saved from not celebrating Christmas and use it to get away.

You could even volunteer for your favorite charity. It’s a great way to generate some good karma and make the world a better place. On a practical note, it’s also a way to create some favorable tax write-offs, since tax season is right around the corner.

However you chose to spend the holiday, have a safe and happy December 25th!