SHAWNEE, Kan. — A Shawnee, Kansas chiropractor is doing her part to address mental health in a year filled with many challenges.
Dr. Michelle Robin, from Your Wellness Connection launched a global 31-Day Kindness Campaign Wednesday.
The campaign is in response to the escalating mental health crisis and is part of Dr. Robin's non-profit, "Small Changes, Big Shifts."
"The thinking was this. We have this pandemic of COVID, we have Black Lives Matter, we have the political climate and then we have this mental health crisis," Dr. Robin said.
Cases of domestic violence, and alcohol and drug abuse are higher this year than in 2019 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Dr. Robin is confident her campaign will help reduce stress and anxiety and help create a more positive environment in communities facing these challenges.
"The research shows that when you are performing a kind act to someone or they're performing a kind act to you, it releases three brain chemicals feel good hormones; oxytocin dopamine and serotonin ," she said.
"Kindness gives us more energy, longevity and positivity," she said. "Fewer aches and pains by producing endorphin's, our body's natural pain killers of cause greater optimism, and better relationships," Dr. Robin said.
Jessica McClellan, is the founder and president of Giving Hope and Help and is joining Robin's campaign.
However, kindness is something that McClellan has been practicing for years even setting aside one day a week to call someone and encourage them.
"It's the most gratifying feeling. I think there is a part in your brain the hypothalamus that feels so good when you eat chocolate and something that you love and I get that feeling when I inspire and give acts of kindness and inspiration to others," McClellan said.
You can sign-up for the campaign by clicking here.
One deck of kindness cards is $10. Money raised goes to the non-profit organization which helps people live healthier lives.
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