Life becomes hectic and gets in the way sometimes. We are too busy and have too much on our plate. Life unexpectedly throws a curve ball here and there. However, did you know that a simple act of kindness can bring you peace and joy into your life?
Research shows that random acts of kindness not only boosts your physical health but also helps you to maintain positive outlook on life.
What’s more, it doesn’t have to be grand or expensive. By nature, we are hard-wired for love and compassion. We genuinely feel good when we give, help or contribute without expectation of reciprocation of acknowledgement. It can create a powerful ripple effect that people continue to pay forward what they have received. Thus, kindness is a win-win which brightens our community as a whole.
So, why not start today? Make kindness a daily habit. Make a difference in your life and someone else’s. Besides, kindness is contagious. What goes around comes around. It is particularly true with kindness. Show your kindness in any given moment, at any place and with anyone. They will remember your generosity and they will turn around and spread kindness to others as well. It will also be an excellent opportunity to teach your children to do the same and grow up to be kind adults.
While there are plenty of simple things we can do without breaking a sweat, and yet are easy to forget to practice, start with these 15 simple acts of kindness you can do today, tomorrow and everyday. They will certainly make your day and someone else’s.
1. Put on a smile
One of most attractive trait in a person is a nice friendly smile. Saying hello with a smile makes you approachable and a good impression. Smiles can open the door for you to make more friendly friends and expand your social circles.
2. Show your love
We value relationships more than material things in life. According to Maya Angelou, people will never forget how we made them feel. So make them feel loved, especially the ones who are dear to you. Check out The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman if you want to learn more on how to express love.
3. Forgive
Forgiveness is not an easy task. It takes courage and sometimes a lot of time and practice. However, forgiving with empathy is part of being kind to someone, especially the one who wronged you and hurt you in some way. Also, be kind to yourself and forgive your mistakes. Self-love is to treat you with such kindness that you don’t allow anger, resentment or negativities in your life.
4. Open the door or hold an elevator
We live in a world where everything needs to be rushed through. Holding doors for others seems to be simply cultural practices in our society. However, we do it not because it’s customarily expected but because it’s our intention to help others to minimize the collective effort that needs to be spent on daily tasks, which ultimately makes everyone’s life a bit easier.
5. Bring a cup of joe for a colleague
A simple gesture like bringing a cup of coffee for someone in the morning will make their day. A little consideration like this will foster their productivity at work while promoting the relationship which in turn will make your workplace friendly and kinder place.
6. Give up your seat at the waiting room, on the train or bus
The next time you are traveling by bus or in a public place, offer your seat to an elderly person. This is a great way to show your respect for the elderly. Perhaps there is a pregnant woman or a child struggling to stay standing on a moving vehicle. Offer your seat to someone who needs it every time you have the opportunity.
7. Give a hand to someone who needs help with something heavy
When you see a woman struggling to walk up stairs with kids and heavy bags, help her. Even the smallest act of service is rewarding and joyful. You wouldn’t want your wife or sister struggling without anyone’s help, would you?
8. Let someone merge during traffic
We all get frustrated in traffic at one time or another. One additional car in front of you isn’t going to make you arrive any earlier or later than you already would have been. So the next time someone is waiting to merge, be the kind person and let him in.
9. Offer a babysitting to a friend
Parenting is the most rewarding job and at the same time overwhelming. Offer to babysit for a friend or neighbor, especially a single parent who doesn’t get much help. This simple support will give a parent a break to recharge and relax a bit which will also benefit the child.
10. Bake cookies for your new neighbour
Well, it doesn’t have to be baked-cookies. You can offer a cold glass of water to a neighbor who’s trimming a tree in a hot summer day. Paying a visit with a bright smile or inviting them over for a tea would make them feel safe and welcomed.
11. Bring a cup of chicken soup to a sick person
We remember how we’ve felt when someone took care of us when we were sick. Show them you care and offer help when needed. This will lift his spirit up. In addition, it will make both his stomach and his heart warm and fuzzy.
12. Don’t interrupt when someone is talking
Pay attention to what the other person is saying. Active listening is not only an act of kindness but also a skill that we can benefit from improving. You will have more chance to avoid conflicts and misunderstandings.
13. Fix Something for someone else
If someone needs to have something fixed or put together, and you are handy with these sorts of things, it’s the perfect opportunity to offer your skills. Surprisingly, you may enjoy some fun doing it together. The bonus is the more you put your skill into practice the better you will get at it.
14. Give compliments
As words have the power to both heal and destroy, a nice compliment can reinforce their value in the world. With genuine compliments, you let them know they are noticed. So, speak kindly and give them a little gift of appreciation.
15. Say yes to a donation request
Making a donation doesn’t have to be thousands of dollars or hard work at Habitat for humanity. It can be a $1 donation to a local shelter or a can of soup for your local food bank. It won’t break your wallet. Imagine there’s someone out there smiling when they receive what you gave.
So, what’s in your kindness jar today?
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