Usher in June with kindness in light of National "Say Something Nice" Day

June 1st marked National “Say Something Nice” Day — a reminder of the power of simple kindness in a complex world. Join us for a meaningful Q&A with former immunologist, best-selling author, and mind-body wellness expert Jaya Jaya Myra as she shares how one kind word can make a lasting impact.

“You never know what someone is carrying, but your words can be the moment they feel seen,” says Myra. “Kindness becomes a radical act of presence in a world that often forgets to pause.”

Discover why choosing to uplift others with your words might be more important now than ever — and how small acts of compassion can ripple into something much greater.

Glamour: June 1st is National “Say Something Nice” Day — why do you think this kind of intentional kindness is especially important in today’s world?

Jaya Jaya Myra: In a world that often prioritizes speed, status and surface-level success, intentional kindness is not just important… It’s transformational. A little intentional kindness can go a long way. Saying something nice might seem simple, but it’s actually a powerful way to slow down; to connect and remind someone they matter. We’re surrounded by so much noise and pressure every day—it’s easy to forget how meaningful a kind word can be.

When you take a moment to say something genuine and uplifting, you’re choosing to show up with presence and compassion. That kind of energy is contagious. It helps shift the tone of your day—and someone else’s—for the better. Kindness is a ripple effect. It grounds us in our higher self and reminds others of their worth. In times of stress, uncertainty or division, even a few genuine words can rekindle hope and unity. At the end of the day, kindness is one of the easiest ways we can bring a bit more light into the world.

Glamour: You’ve said, “One kind word has the power to ripple through someone’s entire day.” Can you share a personal story or example where you’ve seen this happen, either in your life or someone else’s?

JJM: Absolutely. I remember speaking at an event where a woman came up to me afterward and said, “Your words made me feel seen.” Just six simple words… but the sincerity in her voice and the shift in her energy were undeniable. In that moment, I was reminded how deeply we all long to be acknowledged—not for what we do, but for who we are at our core.

That one kind expression created a connection between us and it stayed with me long after the event ended. That’s the beauty of kindness: it doesn’t need to be grand or elaborate to create impact. When it’s genuine, it has a way of opening our hearts and our softening defenses; creating a ripple effect that touches far more than just one person.

Glamour: As a former immunologist and now a mind-body wellness expert, how do you see kindness affecting not just emotional health, but physical health as well?

JJM: As someone with a background in immunology, I’ve always been fascinated by how our emotional state directly influences physical health. Acts of kindness help reduce cortisol which is the stress hormone that wreaks havoc on the body when left unchecked. They also promote the release of oxytocin—something pretty necessary to achieve trust, connection and even physical healing.

But beyond the science, kindness signals safety to the nervous system. And feeling safe—truly safe—is the foundation for all healing. When we’re kind, especially in a world that often prioritizes performance over presence, we invite our bodies to soften, our minds to quiet, and our hearts to open. It’s one of the most accessible, yet overlooked, ways to nourish both physical and emotional well-being.

Glamour: What does science tell us about the effects of kindness on the brain and body? Is there a physiological benefit to both giving and receiving kind words?

JJM: Absolutely. Science clearly shows that kindness isn’t just a feel-good moment, it’s a form of physiological nourishment. Whether you’re giving or receiving a kind word, the brain responds by lighting up its reward centers and releasing neurotransmitters like dopamine and oxytocin; which support connection, trust and emotional balance. Even more fascinating, kindness helps strengthen the vagus nerve—one of the body’s key regulators for heart rate, digestion, and emotional resilience.

In essence, kindness rewires the brain toward more compassion and joy. It conditions the nervous system for calm and connection, creating a feedback loop of wellbeing. It’s not just emotional, it’s biological. I like to think of it as nature’s built-in medicine for both the heart and the mind.

Glamour: In your work, you blend scientific insight with spiritual wisdom. How do both of these realms inform your perspective on the power of words and kindness?

JJM: Science explains the how, but spirituality gives us the why. In my work, I’ve always seen these two realms as beautifully complementary. Science shows us that words shape neural pathways—they quite literally influence how the brain is wired. But from a spiritual perspective, words are far more than thoughts made audible—they’re vibrational energy that can either uplift or harm.

When we speak with kindness, we’re not just soothing emotions… We’re transmitting healing energy. It affects everything from the cellular level to the soul. That’s why I often say kindness is a form of spiritual science. It’s a conscious, intentional way to bring ourselves and those around us back into alignment with love, balance, and deeper truth.

Glamour: Many people are experiencing burnout, anxiety, or disconnection. How can small acts of kindness, like saying something nice, help us reconnect — with others and ourselves?

JJM: Kindness is grounding. In moments of burnout, anxiety or disconnection, even the smallest act can create a sense of presence and calm. When you offer kindness to someone else, you’re not just reconnecting with them; you’re coming home to your own heart. It’s a reminder that you’re still capable of love, compassion and presence even in the midst of overwhelm.

For someone struggling, that brief moment of connection can feel like a lifeline. And often, the act of giving kindness becomes the very medicine we didn’t realize we needed. It reaffirms that we’re not alone, that we matter, and that our words have the power to uplift not just others, but ourselves in the process.

Glamour: What would you say to someone who feels too overwhelmed or depleted to offer kindness — someone who’s struggling to find that emotional energy?

JJM: Start with kindness toward yourself. When you feel overwhelmed or depleted, that’s your soul asking for care, not pressure. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and genuine kindness always begins inward. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is pause, take a breath and say, “I’m doing the best I can right now.”

That simple act of grace—of acknowledging your own humanity—can gently reopen your heart. And from there, the capacity to give begins to grow again. Kindness doesn’t have to be big or perfect. It just has to be intentional. Even a moment of self-compassion can spark a ripple effect that eventually touches others.

Glamour: For those looking to be more intentional beyond National “Say Something Nice” Day, do you have any practical tips or prompts to help them start?

JJM: Yes, keep it simple and heartfelt. Try prompts like:

“I appreciate you for…”
“One thing I admire about you is…”
“You probably don’t hear this enough, but…”

Say it in person, text it, write a note. The delivery doesn’t matter as much as the sincerity behind it. And don’t forget to include yourself in the circle of kindness.

Glamour: How can we make kindness a daily practice, rather than something we only celebrate once a year?

JJM: Kindness becomes a way of life when we choose to make it intentional. One of the simplest ways to do this is by creating small, meaningful rituals throughout your day. Before a meeting or conversation, pause and ask yourself, “How can I uplift this person?” At the end of the day, reflect on one kind thing you said or received and how it made you feel.

When we train ourselves to notice and speak the good, kindness starts to feel as natural as breathing. It’s not about grand gestures, but mindful presence. With practice, these small moments anchor us in compassion and remind us of the deeper connection we share with others. That’s when kindness shifts from a celebration to a lifestyle.

Glamour: You talk about kindness as a “radical act of presence.” Can you explain what that means and how we can embody it in a fast-paced, often distracted world?

JJM: To be kind, you have to be present—truly here, in the moment. Kindness asks us to slow down, to really see someone, to listen without rushing, and to respond from the heart. In today’s world, where distraction is the norm, that kind of presence is rare. And that’s what makes it radical.

When we lead with presence, even the smallest gesture—eye contact, a thoughtful word, a gentle tone can become deeply transformative. It’s not just about what we say, but how we choose to show up. Kindness, at its core, is conscious awareness in action. And when we embody that, we create space for healing, not just for others, but within ourselves too.