Be Nice! It Can Keep You Healthy!

Written by Robyn Holder Robyn Holder

Published: 29 May 2018 29 May 2018

How hard is it to be nice?  Some experts will say it’s easier to be nice than to be mean and grouchy.  Others will say being nice gives you positive energy, and I agree. I recently read about a research study that found people who do volunteer work live longer!  I think this is nice.

Recently, I had a grouch experience at a local post office.  An employee was training a newbie, and neither of them were happy about it!  The woman in front of me in line wasn’t very pleasant to them, so I decided to put on my best face and go out of my way to be extra nice to this poor trainee and the trainer.  Boy, did I fail!  Even my genuine good job compliment didn’t bring a smile to either face!  I’ll think twice before I go back there.

My experience was offset by another errand to my drycleaner.  He welcomed me with a big hello and smile, and I complimented him on being so nice.  That’s one of the reasons I give him my business.

And, lastly, my husband, Tom, is the epitome of nice.  Recently, while visiting a branch, Tom observed the individuals who load the trucks for the next day were working later than usual, filling huge orders!  These guys were in and out of the freezers, loading trucks, and it was hard work.  After meeting with a manager over dinner, Tom stopped at a local pizza shop and took pizzas back for these hard-working guys! They loved it – and probably liked the gesture of thoughtfulness as much as the pizza. 

Many years ago, I read a book called The Power of Nice, by Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval. Thaler and Koval provide numerous instances of how being nice has helped them grow their advertising agency in New York City.  They provide numerous instances where being nice has helped them increase their business goals.  They suggest being nice is like spreading seeds while being negative and nasty begets germs.  Agreed!

The book suggests doing five nice things each day for a week.  I challenge you to try it - and see if you don’t feel increased energy, happiness and well-being.  Try some of these things:

• Say hello to your co-workers rather than just walking by.
• Ask people you meet how they are doing – and then listen.
• Give to charity – even a few dollars.
• Compliment a stranger, or a friend or co-worker.
• Write someone a complimentary note.
• Thank someone for their service – the doorman, a bathroom attendant, etc.
• Call someone you haven’t talked to in awhile

The list can go on and on. Think about it and give it a try.  I’d love to hear your results.  Email me!  Or better yet, be nice, and take me for coffee…. HaHa.

To Your Vitality!