Could High Fives Heal The World?

Could High Fives heal the world? The answer to world peace? Ok maybe it would take a lot more than high fives to do all of that, but I mean, it could be a great start! Take on World Kindness Day, November 13^th, with a simple “Up High!” to anyone you pass throughout the day. High fives really do equal good vibes. When we exchange a high five you are actually sharing a boost of the happy hormones oxytocin and dopamine. Just like a game of high fives tag.  One person tags the next person with a smile and high five, releasing even just a hint of joy and the ripple effect takes care of the rest.  That could change the whole direction of a rotten day.

The gym I belong to, Burn Boot Camp, has built their community and business model on the power of high fives.  Burn Boot Camp has locations all over the United States, with many near our military bases.  My home gym is close to Fort Gregg Adams and we have a large group of members who are stationed there themselves, or with their spouses.  Our trainers remind us to high five our neighbors while we change stations or high five our partners when we finish a workout. They even greet us with high fives every time we enter the gym! This is a way to build a community of people who feel welcomed and encouraged and supported.  The camp may have been tough, but you leave feeling like you had battle buddies who survived with you!

My sister and I attend camps together and we realized that the spirit of high fives carried over into our daily lives. We even got matching stick figure tattoos.  When we high five each other, the stick figures are high-fiving too! We find ourselves sharing high fives with strangers, coworkers and our kids.  She is an assistant director of a daycare.  Do you know an easy way to put a smile on a kids face? High fives.  Want to know what makes another parent feel understood? High fives.

In a world of people who feel judged, not good enough, less than, alone, the smallest act of kindness means a lot.  Acts of kindness don’t always have to be grand or cost money and time.  High fives can communicate so much.  It can mean “you’ve got this”, “We’re in this together” or “I see you!”.  They are contagious too! Start finding those moments to share high fives, and watch it travel, right along with the joy and smiles!