Random acts of kindness have the power to transform. The smallest act of kindness can change the way people see themselves, others and the world. Here are 25 random acts of kindness to make someone’s day just a little brighter.
Kindness transcends all barriers. Kindness reminds us of what matters and what doesn’t. No matter who we are or where we live, whether we pray to a god or if we don’t, our gender, race or political beliefs, we are all citizens of the world.
The thing that unites us is the ability to be good humans and offer kindness.
Kindness unifies us. Kind acts allow people to feel supported, important, heard, and celebrated. These acts have a ripple effect, and by seeing kindness in action, others are motivated and inspired to act in likeness.
What Is World Kindness Day?
World Kindness Day was first introduced by the World Kindness Movement (WKM) in 1998. According to the WKM, this day observed on November 13th seeks to “highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness which binds us”.
World Kindness Day is observed in a growing number of countries, including Canada, Australia, the UK, Italy, India and Singapore.
What happens when people open their hearts? They get better.
Haruki Murakami
The Power Of Being Kind
Research shows the connection between kindness and well-being. Not surprising, right? Kindness makes others feel good, and it makes us feel good. However, kind acts can also positively impact our health by helping to lower stress and anxiety.
In turn, kindness can have a profound impact on the kindness-receiver. Random kind acts or words have the power to change the course of someone’s day. Positive actions improve your mood and allow people to feel more connected with others.
Research also shows that the simple act of being kind causes you to be more kind. The giving keeps coming!
A few weeks ago, an elderly man approached me outside the train station. He told me he was 86 and had just gotten off the train looking for the bus to take him to his hospital appointment. He showed me the instructions from his wife on a lovely hand-written note of how to get to the hospital. At the end of the directions, she wrote: “This is how to get to the hospital, I hope”.
Not being familiar with the buses, I would have been sending him on a wild goose chase. So, I called an Uber and paid for his direct ride to hospital, which got him there in plenty of time before his appointment.
And didn’t I feel good!
Research shows that kind acts release dopamine, our happy chemical. So, when we show kindness to others, this is why we feel good ourselves; it’s biological. The gift that keeps giving.
25 Random Acts Of Kindness
Every day our lives are so busy. Often, we don’t stop to consider simple kind acts until they arise, like my hospital-bound friend. However, these acts of kindness don’t need to be big, bold or even planned.
Kind acts can be as simple as a smile to a stranger that promotes warmth and connection. Simple acts of kindness like these can go a long way to making someone’s day.
- Offer a compliment
- Text someone good morning or good night
- Fundraise for a cause
- Help out a work colleague
- Write a positive review online
- Start first by being kind to yourself
- Say thank you
- Be present and listen to someone
- Demonstrate empathy for someone who is struggling
- Smile
- Be ok to sit in silence with someone to show support
- Ask someone if they would like help
- Tell someone you appreciate them
- Get to know your neighbour
- Stand up for someone
- Say you’re sorry and mean it
- Surprise someone with a visit or phone call
- Give your time unreservedly to someone who needs it
- Make a donation
- Give up your seat
- Drive with patience
- Express your gratitude
- Offer a hug
- Treat someone to a coffee or lunch
- Volunteer time
Photo by Dee @ Copper and Wild on Unsplash
