The reasons why we practice kindness often seem self-evident: Because it’s the best response. Because it feels right. Because everyone could use more positivity in their life. In the same way, it feels strange outlining the rationale for a focus on kindness in this snapshot. That said, we’re going to anyway, if only to reinforce what most of us already intuitively know - kindness can have a big impact, on ourselves and others.

Let’s start with current events. For anyone who is even remotely in touch with what’s happening in the world, it is apparent that there is a lot of division, and it is also clear that almost everyone is under way more stress than might have been the case a few years ago. For those reasons alone, kindness deserves to be in the spotlight.

But what does the research say? Well, for starters research has shown that being kind to others actually has a positive impact on our own mood. Dr. Elizabeth Dunn is a psychology researcher out of UBC, who has spent years researching this topic, and she gives a powerful message about that connection and the choices we can make in our days and weeks to benefit others and ourselves. Other research in this area has demonstrated strengthened connection with others and a snowball effect of positive action as a result of kind acts. Further, studies have shown that intentionally making time for positive contributions to others can lead to other positive well-being habits such as increased activity or more social connections.

And in our schools, we know that compassionate classroom and school-wide practices that are trauma-informed are best practices, not just for the most vulnerable learners with lived experience of trauma, but for all learners - the foundation of relationship that starts with kindness and compassion provides stability for further learning.

And finally, but importantly, February 23rd is pink shirt day. This day was started in response to bullying behaviour to send a message that the majority stands for kindness, not hurtful actions such as bullying. The hope is that by marking the day and engaging in meaningful discussion about kindness leading up to and on pink shirt day, that the kind actions cultivated over this month will carry forward throughout the school year.

Be There is an initiative from Jack.org focused on helping anyone develop the skills to support a friend in need. Their simple formula of five golden rules of support can empower anyone to show they care. While taking five minutes to hear someone out may not resolve their concerns, it will demonstrate that they are cared for and could be a starting point for further help and support.

Take a look at their "golden rules" below, or explore their site via the link below for more information.

This site compiles both local and online mental health and wellness resources for families and educators, and is updated monthly with new resources.