Being Nice Is Healthy

January 24, 2012

  by Dean Witherspoon     

The Republican primaries are underway. As the field of candidates narrows, you’ll see the gloves come off, with candidates taking more and more cheap shots at each other and the Obama administration in public appearances, debates, and especially ads.

But incivility isn’t limited to politicians. Athletes, entertainers, talk show hosts, motorists, and even grade school children exhibit an in-your-face attitude that says “I can treat you however I choose… just try to stop me.” The popularity of Two and a Half Men (the Charlie Sheen era), Jersey Shore, and Family Guy reflects a culture that accepts, even admires, rude behavior.

But what do good manners have to do with health? Everything. Treating others with respect, courtesy, and kindness is liberating. It’s a way to enhance your own quality of life by contributing to a better work, family, and community environment. It creates positive energy that can be used to change health behaviors for yourself and those around you.

Disrespect and poor manners are draining. They drag down the perpetrators and everyone around them. And improving health habits becomes even more difficult in a negative setting.

It’s hard to convey this message without sounding preachy. But with careful execution, you can impart the notion without offending. Some ideas…

• Role models. Everyone knows someone who’s exceptionally pleasant and kind. Write a feature article about them in your employee newsletter and reveal how their ways contribute to balanced living.
• Feature articles. Consider a series of articles on the joys of civil behavior.
• Parenting classes. Good manners, like good health habits, start at an early age. Teaching parents how to train children to respect others will reinforce adult civility.
• Mascots. Use a children’s character in a “Be nice to your neighbor” campaign as a way to make your point in a lighthearted style.

Graciousness, like rudeness, is self-perpetuating. The more you practice it, the more skilled you become and the more it rubs off on those around you. Enhancing quality of life is a goal of your health promotion program, and investing in good manners education is a good step toward the goal.