Did You Say Something Nice Yesterday?

Yesterday was “Say Something Nice Day”.  Yes, there really is day just for this very thing.  So if you didn’t catch the post on my twitter feed or my Facebook it might be a good time to add yourself and be in the know!

When working out, it’s important to make sure we’re working at a beneficial level.  Some people use heart rate monitors.  My method is a little less fancy.  I used to have a spin instructor who taught us to monitor the three levels by our speech.  At the lowest level we could fairly easily carry on a conversation.  At the middle level, it was difficult and breathy but we could still talk when necessary.  At the highest intensity we would be working so hard we didn’t want to talk!

In order to get us to check in with our bodies and heart rate, at random moments he’d say “Take a moment to turn and say something nice to your neighbor, because it’s always good to say something nice!”  And it was nice!  No matter if it was full of regulars or a mix with newbies, it was the friendliest class I ever took at my gym.

The mayor of North Charelston Declared June as “Communications Month” and decided to start it off right by designating June 1^st as “Say Something Nice Day”.  Mayor Summey says as a city they strive to “maintain a friendly atmosphere for our employees, citizens and guests. “

I suppose on the surface it seems nice, but a little gimmicky.  Maybe a little cheesy.  Do we really have to be reminded to say something nice?   I have to say, knowing the benefits of nice words, I think he’s on the right track!  Good move, Mayor!

Good thoughts equal very good feelings.

I know you’re familiar with dopamine.  Oh yes, even if you don’t know it by name, you have felt it!  Dopamine is a powerful chemical produced in our body and associated most often with the pleasure centers of our brain.

It serves many purposes, but let’s focus on one of our favorite ways our body uses this chemical.  Dopamine is our reward system.  The feelings of enjoyment we get that our body uses to motivate us!  It is transmitted into our system when something good happens like food or sex.

But it is also released whenever we have a loving feeling or good thoughts, which includes receiving a compliment or kind word. And it happens even when we observe the act of helping someone.

Do we really need a reminder to say something nice?

In the workplace a study shows that 60% of workers do not receive any compliments on the job!  That’s not a small number.  And how often do you assume people are mind readers?  Do they really know how much you appreciate them?

We often get so caught up in the daily reactivity we forget to be vocal with our gratitude.  Own your power to bring a little more pleasure to yourself and others!   While the official “Say Something Nice Day” has passed, do yourself a favor, give yourself (and a friend) a nice boost of the “feel good” and start celebrating this holiday EVERYday!