While being kind is often thought of as an act that benefits others, it has also been shown that kindness has positive physical and mental health benefits for the person practicing kindness.
Engaging in acts of kindness has been found to provide the following benefits:
- Increased self-esteem and feelings of self-worth
- Boost in serotonin and dopamine (often thought of as the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals), which leads to feelings of satisfaction and improved mood
- Increased connectivity to others
- Decreased feelings of stress
- Lower blood pressure
- Lessened symptoms of pain due to an increase in endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller
- For those dealing with a mental health challenges, showing kindness towards others provides an opportunity to take their attention away from their own symptoms
The Pay It Forward Challenge is a wellness challenge focused on committing acts of kindness that just began this week. The challenge runs through Sunday, Nov. 23. There is still time to register and get started. Those who complete and record at least eight acts of kindness for the two weeks of the challenge will receive 25 My Wellness points. All activity must be recorded by noon on Monday, Nov. 24.
How do I enroll in the challenge?
Go to the My Wellness portal and enter your personal username and password. Select challenges from the upper menu or dashboard tile. Under “Available Challenges,” select “Get Started” and “Continue.” You are now enrolled in the challenge. First time users should see the “How do I enroll?” section of the My Wellness Program website.
How do I log my activity?
Log in to the My Wellness portal and click on the “Challenges” tile. Select “Pay It Forward Challenge.” Select a date and then enter the activity. After entering the amount, “click “Submit.” Participants will need to log the previous week’s activities prior to the start of each new week.
How am I eligible for My Wellness points and chances for giveaway prizes?
The goal is to complete eight acts of kindness over two weeks. Participants who meet the goal and record this activity in the My Wellness portal will be awarded 25 My Wellness points. Participants who meet weekly goals will also be entered into the weekly prize giveaway (the week ends each Sunday at 7 p.m.). The challenge will be held Monday, Nov. 10, through Sunday, Nov. 23. Registration began Monday, Nov. 3. All activity must be recorded by noon on Nov. 24 to receive My Wellness points.
