Each year, the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors select a statewide service theme to engage all Minnesota 4-H youth in learning about a community issue and taking steps to make a positive, collective impact.
The 2024-2025 statewide service theme is “Mental Health and Wellbeing” because mental health affects everyone. Every month, the 4-H state ambassadors will share a topic that provides opportunities to learn about and take action on mental health and wellbeing through service.
November's topic: Mental health and kindness
For November, the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors are addressing mental health and wellbeing through kindness.
An act of kindness is something that you do for yourself or others that is motivated by a desire to help. Research tells us that kindness is deeply connected to mental health. Receiving or giving kindness boosts emotional wellbeing, reduces stress and fosters social connections.
In our bodies, being kind releases feel-good chemicals like oxytocin and serotonin, promoting happiness, relaxation and emotional stability. Kindness is considered cardioprotective and has been shown to lower blood pressure.
Socially, kindness strengthens relationships, combats feelings of loneliness and helps individuals build resilience during tough times. Kindness nurtures a positive feedback loop that enhances personal and collective mental health, creating a more supportive and compassionate environment.
Kindness is not just an act—it’s a powerful force that shapes our mental health, strengthens our connections with others and can transform individuals and communities.
At-home service project ideas for your club or family
This month, 4-H youth are invited to complete 10 acts of kindness that you can do in your community, including:
- Spend time with loved ones.
- Write a note to someone you care about.
- Smile at five people.
- Give someone you love a hug.
- Show your body gratitude and stay hydrated.
- Pick up some trash on the ground.
- Hold the door open for someone.
- Give someone a compliment.
- Make someone laugh.
- Say thank you to someone who goes unnoticed.
- Kindness and Mental Health. Mental Health Foundation.
- The Art of Kindness. Mayo Clinic Health Systems.
- The Science Behind Kindness and How It’s Good for Your Health. SSM Health.
- Volunteering and Subjective Well-Being in Midlife and Older Adults: The Role of Supportive Social Networks. National Library of Medicine.
- The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation.