8. Just smile - This may sound like a task that is so simple, it couldn't possibly make a big difference. A smile shows you are kind and easily approachable. It's a win-win for everyone.

9. Complete a task for someone - Much like offering your help to someone, you can simply complete a task without asking or being asked to do so.

10. Offering patience - Patience doesn't come easy, especially in our fast-paced society. By simply being patient with an individual, you can make them feel more comfortable. The times when people are kind to me, are the things that stick with me.

What are the benefits of showing kindness?

You may be wondering: What are the benefits of kindness and why should we be kind to others?

Psychologically, acts of kindness make us feel grateful, empathetic, and compassionate. These are positive feelings that give us a sense of belonging and community. Biologically, kindness releases chemicals like the “love hormone,” oxytocin, which helps us form social bonds based on trust.

Sadly, in today’s fast-paced world many of us are so busy trying to keep up that we lose sight of what’s truly important.

Here are six science-backed benefits of practicing kindness:

• Increases happiness

• Boosts energy

• Reduces anxiety and depression

• Lowers blood pressure

• Reduces pain

• Promote longevity

Opportunities to be kind are all around us – and the smallest acts of kindness are often what make the biggest difference.

People who are kind and compassionate see clear benefits to their wellbeing and happiness. They may even live longer. Kindness can also help reduce stress and improve our emotional wellbeing. We all have so much going on in our lives - including competing strains and stresses. This can see kindness pushed to one side, in favour of what is urgent now.

Some of the simple ways to show kindness

1. Listen and show interest - By simply listening to someone and showing interest in the conversation, you can truly change someone's life.

2. Show Compassion - You can do this by communicating how you understand and care for the recipient. Be honest about your feelings, giving an emotional response to what they are telling you. By doing so, you're also validating their feelings which is an act of kindness greater than any.

3. Give genuine compliments - If you are truly interested in being kind to others, give a genuine compliment.

4. Offer help - By handling a difficult task or giving advice on a serious subject, you're easing the burden of another.

5. Say thank you - A single “Thank you” can go a very long way and unfortunately, many people don't hear it often. You can return a kindness by just saying thank you.

6. Consider others' feelings when making decisions - To consider another's feelings when making decisions is a very good deed. We are by no means recommending that you put the needs or desires of another before your own. However, it's nice to be considered when decisions are made.

7. Give a handmade gift - The most special gifts tend to be handmade ones. It's the simple thought that someone took the time out of their day to make something just for you that's so special.

The reality is, prostate cancer often doesn’t show symptoms until it’s more advanced. However, early detection could save your life. That’s why we want to arm you with the knowledge to look after yourself and encourage those around you to do the same.

Know Your Body

Prostate cancer can be silent in its early stages, but there are warning signs you should never ignore:

• Trouble starting or stopping urination.

• Weak or interrupted flow of urine.

• Feeling like your bladder isn’t empty, even after urinating.

• Blood in your urine or semen.

• Persistent pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis.

Remember: these symptoms don’t always mean prostate cancer, but they’re worth checking out. It’s better to know than to wait.

What Can You Do? Take the First Step

Taking care of your prostate health starts with a conversation. If you’re over 50 — or over 45 and have a family history of prostate cancer or are Black — you’re entitled to a simple blood test called the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test. Speak to your GP about your risks and the screening options available to you.

The process is straightforward and could provide peace of mind, or even catch a problem early when it’s easiest to treat. Don’t put it off.

This Is Personal

Every one of us has been affected by cancer in some way — whether through friends, family, or personal experience. At Morson, we’re more than just colleagues; we’re a team. We look out for each other on the tracks and off them. With such a large and diverse workforce, the chances are that someone reading this could benefit from taking action today.

Let’s be proactive about our health, not just for ourselves, but for our families, our friends, and the future.

Where to Find Support

If you’re feeling unsure about where to start, or want to learn more, these resources are here to help:

Prostate Cancer UK: prostatecanceruk.org

NHS Prostate Cancer Information: nhs.uk

Your health is your greatest asset. It keeps you strong for the job and present for the moments that matter most. Let’s take a moment to reflect, take action, and remind others to do the same. Together, we can make a difference.

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Strong

At Morson, the wellbeing of our workforce is just as important as the work we do. Day and Night, you’re on the front lines, helping to keep London’s transport systems running smoothly. But while we prioritise safety on the tracks, it’s equally vital to prioritise your health outside of work. For this article we’re focusing on Prostate Cancer Awareness, an issue that could affect any of us, or someone close to us, in ways we might not expect.

Why This Issue Matters to Us All

With more than 500 men working for us out of our Canning Town office alone — not to mention the countless others deployed from Morson offices across the UK — prostate cancer is a topic that hits close to home. It’s the most common cancer in men in the UK, with 1 in 8 men diagnosed at some point in their lives. For Black men, the statistic is even more concerning: 1 in 4 are at risk.

One thing that we must take into consideration though, is our return to normal duties following the festive period… we know, none of us want to!

Unfortunately in recent years, 25% of our overall injuries [for that year] have occurred in January following the full return of all of our workers! (Data from 2021 & 2022)

This is because the break can disrupt routines - Prolonged rest or time off work can disrupt an individual's circadian rhythms, which are the body's internal clock that regulates sleep and wake cycles. Returning to work on a different schedule, such as switching from days to nights, can lead to fatigue and reduced alertness.

Leading up to our return, or even following a long weekend off, it’s important that we gradually transition our sleeping pattern, shifting your sleep schedule 15-30 minutes per day if possible, moving toward your desired night shift pattern, this can give your body time to adjust!

Staying hydrated, limit caffeine and alcohol use leading up to your return, prioritise sleep and avoid over exerting yourself whilst trying to transition back into a consistent routine.

It’s important that we refresh ourselves with our training and safety guidelines for whatever works we might be doing. Spending time before the first shift (and every shift for the first couple of weeks) to remember how our works are coordinated and carried out safely will help massively to reduce the risk of incidents occurring! Establish clear lines of communication and ensure that all team members are informed about changes in the work schedule, safety guidelines, and any potential hazards.

As much as the time off and time with our family/friends is important for our mental health, when were ready to come back, we need to be 100%!

Read the full article for our comprehensive guide to get everyone back to work safely (sent via Morson Comply).