Book Prelude..!!
Title: The Joy of Actually Giving a F🙂ck:
[How Kindness Can Cure Stress and Make You Happy]
Author: Dr David R Hamilton
Pages: 272
Genre: Self-Help
Publication date: 09 Jul 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
About the Author..!!
DAVID R. HAMILTON is a writer, columnist, and kindness scientist. He is the author of 12 books, including Why Woo-Woo Works and The Five Side Effects of Kindness. He is the honorary scientific advisor for 52 Lives, a charity that helps people through acts of kindness.
He began his career working in R&D within the pharmaceutical industry, where he helped develop drugs for cardiovascular disease and cancer. After a period leading multiple change projects, David left the industry to focus on his love of writing and teaching.
He is a regular speaker in both the public and corporate sectors and has delivered talks for Google, 3M, Bank of England, HSBC, NHS, AstraZeneca, Network Rail, NEST, Calor, Electrolux, Diageo, Costa, KIND Snacks, NRC Health, and many others.
Book Description..!!
Far from being fluffy sentiments, acts of kindness – whether given, received, or witnessed – are potent elixirs that have a profound and lasting impact on our mental and physical health.
From boosting happiness to soothing the soul, kindness isn’t just a feel-good notion – it’s a powerhouse. It relaxes your nerves, lowers blood pressure, reduces inflammation, and even slows down ageing at the genetic level.
This book serves as a beacon of light, urging you to spread kindness like wildfire. Because in a world where apathy reigns, giving a f🙂ck is revolutionary. And when we do, we not only enrich ourselves but bring joy into our communities and the wider world.
To Start…!!
“The Joy of Actually Giving a F🙂ck” by David Hamilton, Ph.D., is a KINDFUL handout for readers. David staunchly believes that kindness is an antidote to stress and suffering. He emphasizes the importance of being kind as the ultimate path to happiness.
He says, “Kindness is the stitching in the fabric of life” and “The spice in friendship soup.” I second his view of kindness as a universal necessity, as everyone, in one way or another, is a seeker of humaneness.
Book précis…!!!
His intention in terming “Giving a F🙂ck” reflects the necessity of kindness-oriented practices in one’s life to earn nature’s karma points; a secret high five that helps the body’s happy hormones feel proud and shower their blessings upon us. He describes kindness as an unsung hero, emphasizing both self-kindness and kindness toward society.
As a Kindness Scientist, this book stands as a testimony to David’s expertise in positive psychology and neuroscience. Alongside this, it also serves as a personal anecdote from David, showcasing how acts of kindness can reduce nervousness, worry, and stress while improving both mental and physical well-being.
My Preamble…!!!
Spread across TEN chapters, David thoroughly explains, in an unostentatious tone, how kindness can influence neural chemistry and act as a preventive measure against stress. He dedicates an interesting chapter to discussing kindness as “the opposite of stress,” presenting ample psychological case studies that demonstrate kindness as a means of slowing down the aging process, lowering blood pressure, and promoting calmness.
David refers to kindness as a superfood for mental health, emphasizing the need to embed kindness into our very DNA and to invite happy vibes
Book Prelude..!!
He draws a deep connection between kindness and mindfulness. The eightfold path presented in this book closely reflects Buddha’s teachings on traditional mindfulness. Through these ideas, David offers ways to reduce suffering and realign one’s moral compass. This blend of scientific explanation and real-life examples demonstrates David’s expertise in kindness practices. As an honorary scientific advisor, he presents this book as a testament to his deep affinity for creating a happier and more compassionate world.
Book accolades…!!!
My thoughts resonate with David’s view on nurturing kindness in children’s minds; through gestures like sharing toys, playing friendly and quarrel-free, being non-judgmental, unbiased, non-discriminatory, and respectful.
Among the many favorite parts of this book, I handpicked the tips the author shares for ‘Leading With Kindness‘: NINE postulates that serve as communication enablers infused with empathy, respect, and honesty. Toward the far end of the book, in the section “A Universal Set of Kindliness,” David offers TWELVE checklist formulas for timely introspection and guidance toward creating happiness for all.
Author Accolades..!!!
David meticulously believes in the ripple effect that kindness can bring, favouring people we have never met, or will ever meet. David is kind enough to offer two programs to the readers, ‘The seven-day kindness challenge’, a notion to do something kind every day for seven days. ‘Kindfulness meditation practices‘ are capable of generating a daily sentimental consistency of compassion and kindness.
Book Assort…!!!
Unlike books that advise readers not to give a F🙂ck, David’s approach to kindness highlights the mindful benefits of being kind and how such gestures can positively influence mental and physical well-being. His stance on understanding kindness as a powerhouse with proven health benefits is truly commendable. After all, giving a F🙂ck is the need of the hour—it not only enriches our own lives but also brings joy to our communities and the larger world.
End Note..!!!
Pick up this insightful guide that reframes caring as something powerful, scientific, and deeply resonant, with the ability to connect kindness, stress, and modern living in meaningful ways.
Quote(s)..!!
- Kindfulness in life means doing little things intentionally with a big heart.
- Be awesome, be kind, be brave, but also make sure you’re looking after yourself.
- Kindness calms the mind and creates a warm feeling where stress feels like crap.
Links & FootNote..!!
My Handle: Kiran_Kumar_Adharapuram
You can also explore my works -> Here
My Non-Fiction Book Reviews -> Here
My Fiction Book Reviews -> Here
My Self-Help Book Reviews -> Here
