1 Minute Habit · #285
1 Minute Habit for October 12
Recall a kind gesture from a stranger
Why This Habit Helps
Remembering unexpected kindness activates the brain's reward centers and increases oxytocin production, enhancing feelings of social connection and trust in humanity.
Research in the Journal of Positive Psychology shows that recalling positive social interactions boosts mood more effectively than recalling individual achievements, creating lasting emotional benefits.
What You’ll Do in 1 Minute
- Restores faith in human kindness
- Highlights positive social connections
- Counters negative world view
- Enhances appreciation for small kindnesses
- Builds sense of community belonging
Quick Overview
In a world saturated with negative news, recalling small acts of kindness from strangers serves as powerful evidence that goodness exists everywhere. These moments often go unremembered but carry profound emotional weight when brought to conscious awareness.
This practice rewires our attention to notice and retain positive social interactions, creating an 'availability bias' toward kindness that makes us more likely to both notice and perform kind acts ourselves.
What the Research Says
How to Get Started
- Close your eyes to better visualize the memory
- Recall specific details: where, when, what happened
- Notice how you felt in that moment
- Consider if that kindness inspired you to pay it forward
- Write down one sentence about the experience
How to Adapt This Habit
If you’re a busy professional
Recall a helpful stranger during your commute or workday
If you’re a parent
Remember kindness shown to your children by others
If you’re a student or learner
Recall help from classmates or campus staff
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💬 Your Success Stories
I remembered a time when a stranger paid for my coffee when I was fumbling for my wallet. I'd almost forgotten that moment, but recalling it made me realize how many small kindnesses I experience. Now I notice them more often - someone holding a door, a smile from a passerby. It's changed how I see my community.
— Amanda
