How to Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day
By ALLI LEE
The Kokomo Post Staff
Updated February 2024
This month, we’re highlighting some local examples of Random Acts of Kindness and sharing some insight from our conversation with Rita Tattersall MA, LCAC, LMHC The Oasis Counseling Center in Kokomo.
February is a special month. Most of us instantly think of Valentine’s Day and the Super Bowl among our February plans, but our team wants you to get excited about today’s Random Acts of Kindness Day 2024 and how we can showcase random kind acts all year long!
But first, what is random? Random by definition is when something is, “made, done, happening or chosen without method or conscious decision.”
This is the part that makes celebrating kindness really special-when its random and sincere. One small act of kindness can spark continued good deeds and build community among a group of strangers!
Rita Tattersall MA, LCAC, LMHC from The Oasis Counseling Center in Kokomo talked to us about Random Acts of Kindness day and the specific hormones and chemicals that create positive feelings in our brains. Our post-covid world has left many seeking the help of those specializing in mental health care to learn more about giving yourself what Tattersall calls a “D.O.S.E. of ‘Happiness Hormones.”
Here is how that breaks down, according to Tattersall:
D - Dopamine. Dopamine is the driving force that makes us want to relive a feeling. Anything that can make us feel excited can generate dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in pleasure, motivation and learning. Give yourself a chance to brag about something you’re doing to a friend or family member to get an extra boost of dopamine. Tattersall specifically mentioned how you can reward yourself with an act of kindness if you’ve been a “stinker” lately. Giving a simple smile that is received by a stranger can activate the dopamine you’re looking for.
O - Oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone that helps us build bonds and grow to trust and love others. When we create a connection with others by smiling, making eye contact, or offering a simple greeting like “Hello, how are you,” the hormone helps us build trust and love with a random act of kindness.
When asked how introverts can participate in Random Acts of Kindness Day, Tattersall encouraged introverts to be themselves! Authenticity is a powerful part of sharing acts of kindness and not all acts of kindness require being speaking up or taking you out of your comfort zone. Use your strengths and be creative!
S - Serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone related to the feelings of respect, social dominance and safety. We can’t actually create more serotonin, but we can store it in our brains longer by hacking it and practicing things that fill your cup or make you feel proud.
Tattersall says it is her goal to create a safe space where she can empower her patients, but her job also helps her feel like she’s making a difference and building self-esteem. Give yourself something to feel proud of each day! Go on a walk, do a push-up, or wash your face and have a productive day!
E - Endorphins. Endorphins are released from physical pain or a struggle of some sort. Tattersall said when people speak of the “runner’s high” or how some compete in physical contests that push our bodies to the limit they are seeking the feeling delivered from endorphins.
“But there is another way,” she said. “Laughing!”
Getting together with friends and reminiscing with some big deep-belly laughs releases endorphins. And Tattersall said the opposite actually works too.
“Crying actually releases 72 toxins in our body,” she said. “So avoiding our pain isn’t the goal. Crying is feeling our pain.”
Our team wants to show you how easy it is to be kind. We hope you enjoyed our “Drive-By Compliments” video last month. How can you be randomly kind in Kokomo this month? Here are a few options! Find some craft supplies, go outside, or pick up the phone!
Kindness is something we should be practicing everyday, but it's a lot of fun to be a little extra on Feb. 17. Tattersall reminded us that many powerful acts of kindness cost $0 to perform, so everyone is truly capable of being kind! What are your go-to gestures of kindness around Kokomo?
