Manic Monday | RAK it up next week! You will be all the healthier for it...

February 12th - 18th is RAK Week 2017.  I am certain most of you are asking yourself what in the world is this Manic Mandziuk talking about now!

Formally recognized in 1995 "RAK" or Random Act of Kindness Week is a short seven days set aside annually to demonstrate that kindness is in fact contagious.

The RAK foundation operated by a group of five individuals out of Denver Colorado and lead by President Gary Nixon is founded on the premise that even the smallest gesture of kindness can change not only the person receiving but almost more importantly improves the health and well being of the person giving.

Their website outlines numerous benefits of extending kindness including improved energy, increased personal contentment and even a suggestion of lengthening life span while noting that it has been scientifically proven that acts of kindness can help to lower stress, anxiety, depression and even blood pressure; all this while making the world a little better place.

Over the past several weeks and months our news world more than ever seems to be delivering an on slaughter of  dark and often difficult information from every corner of the world. So RAK Week seems the perfect moment to take a break from all that is wrong, take things into our own hands and make life a little better for those around us.

Random Acts of Kindness start with each and every one of us stepping outside of our own challenges, conflicts, concerns and worries and for a brief moment lightening the load for a friend, relative or stranger. Opening a door, carrying a bag, offering an unexpected smile or word of support, paying for a muffin or coffee; no gesture of kindness is too small.

Why not take it one step further and go online to randomactsofkindness.org and become a RAKTAVIST (the best kind of activist). You can sign up as an individual, group/company or team. There is no cost, just a website full of ideas that will help to inspire you to take on the one week challenge, and perhaps keep the movement going for months to come.

I am definitely going to partake in RAK this week so watch out, I may be in a community near you and what a great opportunity for the region.

"Thompson Okanagan - the Kindest (and healthiest) Region in Canada"

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO