Being kind means being polite, respectful, and thoughtful towards others. An act of kindness can help someone else feel better about themselves and may be kinder back!
Kindness doesn’t always mean doing something big or grandiose, either. Sometimes it means being attentive in small ways, like paying attention when someone is talking or giving someone a smile when they’re feeling down. The small things really add up over time! Let’s look at some other small things you can do to spread kindness.
Smile at a stranger.
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and forget that you live in a world with other people. Take the time each day to smile at a stranger. What if they don’t smile back? Don’t worry about it! Everyone deserves kindness in their life, no matter how different they may seem from us at first glance. A smile, even when not reciprocated, sends positive energy to another human being.
Leave a generous tip.
If someone gave you wonderful service at a restaurant, go the extra mile and give them a generous tip. At least 20% is normal, but if they’ve gone above and beyond, then give more. It shows that you appreciate their service, and it will make them feel great! A little extra money can go a long way for people who work hard for their money, so don’t underestimate the impact that just one extra dollar can have on someone’s day!
Give up your seat on the bus or train
You can give up your seat on the train, bus, or subway to someone who needs it more than you. A person with a disability or an older person would be grateful for this gesture. You can also hold doors open for others — especially if they have something in their hands or if it’s raining outside. It’s such an easy way to make someone’s day a little better.
Call instead of texting.
You know what’s better than sending a text? Calling. If there’s someone you usually text, skip the text and call instead. It’s more personal, and you form a real human connection. You can say so much more over the phone than via text. The human voice can convey empathy, whereas texting falls short in doing that.
Donate blood.
When you donate blood, you’re helping save lives. Your donation could help someone who’s been in an accident or a child with cancer. Many people need a blood transfusion at some point in their lives–it’s an essential piece of staying alive and healthy if you’re in an accident or have certain health issues. So, give the gift of life by donating your own blood. It only takes about an hour (and it’s painless), and this is one small act of kindness that can make a huge difference for someone else.
Donate clothes that no longer fit.
Donate clothes you don’t wear anymore to Goodwill or a local charity that accepts clothing donations, like Dress for Success or the Salvation Army. This won’t cost you anything, and it will make someone else feel wonderful. You can even turn it into a fun event with friends by gathering everyone together and having a clothing donation party! For someone else, those clothes will be brand new.
Cook a meal for someone special.
If you’re in a romantic relationship, you might escape for an occasional dinner out. But cooking a homemade meal (a healthy one) is one of the best ways to show your loved one that you care about them and their well-being. And don’t forget there are other kinds of relationships besides romantic ones! You can also strengthen friendships and family relationships by acts of kindness like this one.
Do someone a favor, just because.
Give someone the gift of your time. Offer to babysit or dog-sit for a friend, family member, or neighbor who’s going through some challenges. Or help a stranger. If you see someone struggling with their groceries, offer to help them carry their bags to their car or doorstep. You never know what struggles they might face, and this small act of kindness could make all the difference in their day. Small acts of kindness like these can make a huge difference in someone’s day and make them more likely to pay it forward by doing something nice for someone else.
Don’t forget your four-legged friends.
So many dogs in shelters need someone to visit and walk them. They’re frightened and unsure why they’re there. Volunteering to walk them once a week or once a month can make all the difference to these amazing creatures. And if you’re a good photographer, why not offer to take photos and videos of them to help them get adopted?
Conclusion
Now you have a list of small acts of kindness you can start implementing immediately. Take some time every day to practice these small acts. It will make a big difference in how you feel about yourself and the world around you; plus, it can bring joy into other people’s lives too!
