Have you ever heard someone begin a sentence with “I’m not racist, but…”? Or scrolled past a cruel comment online and felt your stomach drop? Moments like these can make it feel as though compassion is in short supply.
Yet Australians have long prided ourselves on looking out for each other and backing the underdog. The good news is that compassion is not a fixed trait. It is a skill we can practise, and the benefits flow both ways.
What compassion really means
Compassion is often defined as a deep awareness of someone else’s suffering, coupled with a wish to ease it. It is more than feeling sorry for someone. It is noticing, caring and then doing something, however small.
Why kindness is good for your health
- Less stress. Acts of kindness can lower stress and lift mood, sometimes called the “helper’s high”.
- Stronger relationships. Empathy builds trust, which is the foundation of every close relationship.
- A greater sense of meaning. Helping others is one of the most reliable ways to feel that life has purpose.
- Healthier communities. Neighbourhoods where people look out for each other tend to be safer and more connected.
Why compassion can feel harder now
Social media can make it easy to judge strangers in seconds, and the constant news cycle can leave us feeling overwhelmed. Some people respond by stepping back from social media altogether, which can be a healthy choice. Others find that consciously choosing kindness online changes how the whole experience feels.
Simple ways to practise compassion
- Listen without rushing to fix or judge.
- Ask someone who seems to be struggling, “Are you OK?”, and give them time to answer.
- Speak up when you see someone treated unfairly.
- Volunteer, even for an hour a month.
- Practise self-compassion. Being kinder to yourself makes it easier to be kind to others.
Have you been touched by an act of kindness lately? For more on the science of feeling good, explore our How to Be Happier guide.
