A random act of kindness is a wonderful way to make someone else’s day, as well as your own.
It feels good to help others. When you are kind, your brain produces oxytocin, also known as the “connection” hormone. Kindness is also associated with higher self-esteem, more energy, less stress, and stronger social bonds.
Here are a few random acts of kindness to try:
Offer a compliment
Everybody needs to be reminded of their better qualities every now and then; it’s what keeps us striving to be better people. Leaving people with a smile on their face may give them the motivation to do something good for someone else later on. A fantastic random act of kindness idea!
Offer to babysit for friends or family
If you know parents with young children that you suspect are feeling overwhelmed, why not ask them if they want the evening off to go out for dinner, and afternoon to run errands in peace, or even just catch up on that much needed sleep?
Lend a hand to someone at the store
Everybody struggles around the supermarket or train station with something heavy (or with too many items) at some point. Be the person in the crowd who takes their headphones out and offers to share the load — it could be you in need one day.
Write a letter to an old friend
We’ve all known at least one person with whom we could talk for hours but who has since moved on. Don’t let time, distance, or even a minor disagreement get in the way of reviving something worthwhile; there’s no harm in trying!
Offer to pay for someone’s parking ticket
While waiting in line, offer to pay for a strangers parking ticket.
Also see: The basic steps of CPR
