Empathy in an era of challenges: a culture of mutual support remains humanity’s greatest resource
From the Tokyo Declaration to a global movement.
World Kindness Day on 13 November: history and traditions
Every year on 13 November, the international community celebrates World Kindness Day. This day is intended to remind people in different corners of the globe of the importance of sincerity, compassion, mutual respect and selfless help, which can overcome cultural, social and language barriers.
The official date marking the start of the festival is considered to be 1998, when the first conference of the World Kindness Movement (World Kindness Movement) took place in Tokyo. Participants at the forum from various countries adopted the ‘Declaration of Kindness’, proclaiming their intention to unite society around the practice of acts of kindness.
A scientific perspective on altruism and its effects on the body
Recent psychological and neurobiological research confirms that acts of kindness benefit not only the recipient but also the giver. When a person performs a good deed or shows empathy, areas of the brain associated with pleasure and social trust are activated.
Experts identify several key effects of deliberate kindness:
- Hormonal balance: helping others stimulates the production of oxytocin (the ‘bonding hormone’), serotonin and endorphins, which reduces anxiety and improves your emotional well-being.
- Reduced stress levels: people who regularly volunteer or support those around them have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and more stable blood pressure readings.
- The chain reaction effect: witnessing displays of genuine support encourages other people to replicate such behaviour in their own circles.
Festive traditions and simple steps towards change
On 13 November, countries around the world organise charity events, environmental clean-ups, flash mobs of gratitude and educational activities. The official symbol of the movement is the ‘open heart’, created by the French artist Orel, which serves as a reminder of the need to be open to the needs of others.
You can take part in World Kindness Day without spending a lot of money, simply by incorporating small acts of kindness into your daily life:
Offer words of support
To thank the people whose work often goes unnoticed — utility workers, healthcare workers, emergency services personnel, shop assistants and teachers.
Get involved in charity work
Donate whatever you can to reputable humanitarian or animal welfare organisations, and pass on any unwanted items or books to those who need them.
Showing care in everyday life
To help elderly neighbours with their shopping, support a colleague on a difficult day, or feed stray animals on the street.
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