I wish someone had told me about the benefits of a random act of kindness

I wish someone had told me” is a series of posts that feed into our inquisitive nature at CN&CO. Each week we hear from someone in our network about something interesting or surprising that’s recently happened or occurred to them – or lessons they learnt. These blogs are a way to pay it forward and form part of CN&CO’s belief that the world can be a better place – and we all have a responsibility to make it so. This week’s post is by Blake Dyason.

I wish someone had told me about the value of a random acts of kindness.

A few weeks ago I read an article about an Irish school that ditched homework for a month for random acts of kindness and the results have been amazing. I couldn’t help but get excited and found myself researching why this is so beneficial. As many of you know, I am the co-founder of Brownie Points a digital platform connecting people and companies to good deeds and recently launching a school dashboard.

I have summarised what I researched into 2 paragraphs showcasing the benefits and challenges.

Here are 8 benefits to doing random acts of kindness and volunteering.
Helps counteract anger, stress and anxiety
• Helps combat depression
• Helps makes us happy
• Increases self confidence
• Builds a sense of purpose
• Teaches new skills
• Increases mental and physical health
• Combats loneliness and builds community and friendship.

Why are schools and businesses wanting to get behind random acts of kindness and volunteering?
Volunteering based on the above benefits can help address some of the major challenges society and business face including school bullying, violence, staff retention and suicide.

From some recent reports showcasing some of the major challenges we are facing that volunteering addresses.
• 800 000 people committed suicide in 2019, that’s 1 suicide every 40 seconds.
• 1 in 6 South Africans suffer from Anxiety or depression.
• Only 9% of South African work force are engaged at work.
• 20% of people over the age of 60 experience deep loneliness
• 3 of the top 6 factors leading to violence can be addressed through volunteering. These are: lack of self-worth and pride, influence of ones peers, lack of community attention and respect.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see the benefits.

Brownie Points founder: Pascale Henke says, people wants to make a difference, its our job to make it easy, fun and rewarding. Together we will build a better future for all.

Some easy ways to introduce regular acts of kindness into your work place, school or family life. Brownie Points & Game for humanity.

Blake brings a lot of energy, passion and heart into everything he does. He is extremely passionate about our country, it’s people and the environment. He is based in Cape Town and is happiest when he is running around exploring the beauty of the mountains.