by Carl Conrad

Created on: March 09, 2009   Last Updated: March 16, 2009

Feeling low? Trying to get a better start on the day? Maybe what you need are some healthy acts of kindness to energize you!

Maybe you could start with those woodland animals right outside your window. Take a look out there. Scampering around are squirrels, flitting around are birds; as you watch, you may even see the more delicate balance of nature as each looks for food, shelter, and comfort. You can help!

Identify the kinds of birds you have in your backyard, then make a trip to your local bird store and buy a couple of inexpensive feeders and some seeds for them. Thistle and grains of different types are about all it will take. Then, you can enjoy the sight of the birds finding your feeders and know that you are helping them to survive. Toss some nuts on the ground so that the squirrels can find them. Watch as they race around with mouthfuls of nuts, then bury them or hide them in the most inconspicuous ways.

That's what acts of kindness are; going out of your way so that others can enjoy life more easily. And, it doesn't have to just stop with the birds and squirrels. How about when you're driving to work, or running errands?

Do you normally dodge from lane to lane, tailgate that slow-moving car whose elderly driver can barely see over the steering wheel? Do you gab on your cell phone with little regard for the traffic around you, or slurp on that coffee as you impatiently wait to pass someone in front of you?

Well loosen up your jaw, relax that scowl, and ease up on that white-knuckle grip on the steering wheel. Take a deep breath, let yourself relax against the seat of your car, and you're off to a great start toward reducing the stress in your life.

Healthy acts of kindness improve not only the lives of others around you, but yours as well! You feel better as you relax. You feel healthier and more prepared for what's ahead as you breathe more deeply and take those scowls that turn into wrinkles off your face. It clears your mind to empty it of that rage and anger that smolders like the fuse of a time bomb, ready to ignite at any moment.

Your stomach muscles relax, your teeth unclench, that adrenaline that pumps like an uncapped well eases to a controlled trickle. You've just found that subtle, almost imperceptible acts of kindness can be healthy for you! Enjoy yourself by being generous to those around you. The love you reap will also be the love you sow!

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