Jumpstart The Kindness Loop

In partnership with

Hi there,

We live in the golden age of self-care.

There are apps to track our mood, sleep, steps, and meals. There are weighted blankets, meditation subscriptions, adaptogenic powders, and $500 mirrors that turn into virtual yoga instructors. Self-help influencers remind us to “put ourselves first,” “protect our energy,” and “prioritize our growth.”

And while there’s real value in taking care of yourself, especially in a world that demands more of us than ever, it’s worth asking:

To what end?

What good are six-pack abs if no one notices?

What good is a fully optimized morning routine if you spend your nights alone, doom-scrolling through someone else’s highlight reel?

We’ve been sold an individualistic version of happiness: one you can buy, measure, and manage from the comfort of your own (isolated) corner of the world. But we are not meant to go it alone. We are social creatures.

Our well-being doesn’t come from ourselves; it comes through others.

Here’s the science behind it: when you interact with another person, say, smiling at a stranger or holding the door open, you get a boost of oxytocin, the neurochemical responsible for bonding, trust, and social warmth.

Even brief, nonverbal interactions like eye contact or a shared laugh can activate this response. That little burst of oxytocin improves your mood and theirs.

And over time, these small exchanges add up to a more connected, resilient community.

Compare that with dopamine, the quick-hit pleasure molecule that’s exploited by your favorite scrollable app. It feels good, fast. But it’s short-lived. And when you’re getting your “connection fix” through a screen, you bypass the opportunity to build real, live, social bonds.

We used to get oxytocin from being around other people. Now we get dopamine from being around our phones.

And with every swipe, scroll, and “like,” we train ourselves to ignore the quieter, deeper pleasure of real connection.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

More after a word from this week’s sponsor.

HR is lonely. It doesn’t have to be.

The best HR advice comes from people who’ve been in the trenches.

That’s what this newsletter delivers.

I Hate it Here is your insider’s guide to surviving and thriving in HR, from someone who’s been there. It’s not about theory or buzzwords — it’s about practical, real-world advice for navigating everything from tricky managers to messy policies.

Every newsletter is written by Hebba Youssef — a Chief People Officer who’s seen it all and is here to share what actually works (and what doesn’t). We’re talking real talk, real strategies, and real support — all with a side of humor to keep you sane.

Because HR shouldn’t feel like a thankless job. And you shouldn’t feel alone in it.

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You can still care for yourself and care for others. You can invest in your wellness and your community. You can put down the phone and look up at the barista, the person in the elevator, the neighbor on their evening walk.

Here are a few easy, nonverbal ways to boost oxytocin in the wild:

• Smile at the person walking past you on the sidewalk.

• Hold the door a little longer for someone behind you.

• Nod or wave when you cross paths with someone, even if you don’t know them.

• Make space for someone to merge in traffic with a thank-you gesture.

• Stand up straighter and soften your face—you’ll look more approachable, and people will respond.

• Make eye contact with the cashier instead of tapping away on your phone.

• Sit near someone instead of choosing an empty corner when you’re out in public.

None of these require words. They just require presence. And the more you offer presence, the more connection you’ll find.

This Week’s Challenge:

Put down your phone when you’re out in the world.

Make real-life, nonverbal connection with at least ten people before the next issue of this newsletter lands in your inbox.

You don’t need a full conversation. You just need a moment.

Let kindness radiate outward, and let it come back to you.

You’re not alone. You’re surrounded by humans just like you: tired, hopeful, hungry for connection.

Let’s meet each other there.

What’s been your experience? Do you have something you think could help others? Just hit reply — your email goes straight to my inbox. 🙏