National Do Something Nice Day – October 5, 2022, history significance
Make your friends and family smile this October 5 on National Do Something Nice Day. This holiday encourages us to perform acts of kindness for strangers or loved ones — or both! It’s easy to become so caught up in our own stresses and struggles that we forget to show kindness to others. This holiday is a great reminder that doing good deeds makes the world better — and might even help you better manage your own troubles in the process. So celebrate with us!
History of National Do Something Nice Day
The idea of doing something nice for others has been around all throughout the history of humankind. Sure, the story of mankind is certainly filled with a myriad of difficulties and war, and these are more often written down for posterity. But it’s also possible to find evidence of the nice things that people have done for each other. Over the centuries, people have lived in community with one another and have performed acts of kindness and generosity.
Some of the greatest evidences of people doing something far beyond took place during World War II, when many different people in Europe risked their lives to protect and rescue those who were being persecuted by the Nazi regime, especially the Jews. These types of activities included people like Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch woman who opened her home to Jewish refugees, as well as Oskar Schindler, a Nazi Party member who helped save at least 1200 Jews.
But Do Something Nice Day doesn’t necessarily have to be dramatic or risky. It can simply be the inspiration behind performing small and random acts of kindness that can add up to making the world a better place!
Although the motivation of Do Something Nice Day is typically selfless, for no reason other than to be kind to someone else, many people don’t realize that the act of kindness can be good for you as well! Doing something nice on a regular basis can actually improve a person’s health.
Research behind performing acts of kindness has shown health benefits, such as the release of oxytocin, which is a hormone that helps lower the blood pressure and reduce anxiety. Other reports include participants who say they have more energy after being kind and that generous people are more likely to be happy themselves. Plus, older people who volunteer to help others are less likely to report aches and pains and they are 44% less likely to die early.
Clearly, Do Something Nice Day is a good way for everyone to get motivated to be a positive and uplifting presence in the world – not only on this day but perhaps even starting a habit to do something nice every day!
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How to Celebrate National Do Something Nice Day
Encouraging people to do kind things for those around them, National Do Something Nice Day offers a wide variety of options for celebrating and enjoying the day:
Do Something Nice for Someone
The name of the day is the first thing on the agenda! Being nice on this day can be something super simple or a bit over the top. Perhaps consider taking your significant other on a surprise weekend away. Or head to the drugstore or department store and pick up a collection of greeting cards to send to a collection of friends or family members “just because”.
Give a Compliment
On this day (and any day!) it’s a great idea to keep an eye out and notice when people do something that deserves a compliment! Whether it is noticing a family member’s new haircut, thanking the taxi driver or doorman for their patient service, or telling the neighbor how lovely their roses look, National Do Something Nice Day is a great time to remember to say the things that might go unsaid on typical days.
Learn About the Benefits of Doing Something Nice
Not convinced that Do Something Nice Day actually works? Consider these personal health benefits that are experienced by people who get in the habit of being kind to those around them:
- Reduced Stress HormonesPeople who are perpetually being nice tend to have 23% lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone that hijacks the body’s processes and can even increase aging.
- Lower Blood PressureThose who embrace the lifestyle of doing nice things can count on the release of oxytocin in their blood. This hormone helps to open up blood vessels and reduce blood pressure, creating a protection for the cardiovascular system and improving heart health.
- Reduced Depression Studies have shown that people who give of themselves in kindness report greater life satisfaction, improved self-realization, improved mood and lower incidences of depression.
- Extended Life Span People who live lives devoted to acts of kindness are often calmer, release more serotonin (the peaceful hormone), have lower blood pressure and are generally happier. And this makes for an increased life span!
