Where would the world be without random acts of kindness? You know, the little actions we take just because we know it will be appreciated by someone else. They don’t have to be big or elaborate to be meaningful. Here are 9 random acts of kindness you can do today.
Kindness isn’t trendy.
It isn’t a hot-button topic.
It doesn’t get as much attention as happiness, passion, or determination.
In some circles, it’s even looked down upon for being “wimpy” or “uncool”.
We think about kindness from time to time, but it’s usually not something we strive to acquire. That’s a pity because kindness doesn’t just help the people around us; it helps us too.
If you are interested in simple ways to spread kindness (and invite it into your life at the same time), consider these nine random acts of kindness.
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9 Random Acts of Kindness You Can Do Today
1. Give Someone A Sincere Compliment
This is a great habit to build and put into action often. Simply hand out more genuine compliments. Find reasons to compliment others as often as possible. Just make sure that you mean what you say so that it doesn’t come off as fake or insincere.
Recognizing the good in others will boost your mood and might make someone else’s day. It might feel awkward, to begin with, but if you keep up the practice, it will become second nature eventually.
2. Buy the Person Behind You a Coffee
If you have the means, next time you are in line at the coffee shop, pay for the people behind you as well. This random act has a way of being passed on, or at the very least, talked about and shared.
And it doesn’t have to be limited to the coffee shop! Do this anywhere that has smaller invoices (so you can do it more often). The coffee shop is just one example – but what about the drug store, pizza-by-the-slice storefront, bakery, farmer’s market stand?
3. Tell A Boss About a Good Employee
We live in a society where people seem all too willing to scream at service workers. Instead of complaining about a bad job, why don’t we mention good service more?
Let a manager know when one of their staff does a great job. Put it in writing if you can, but even just a short comment makes a huge difference for so many underappreciated workers. You will make their day, without question!
4. Find a Charity You Believe In
If you have the means to make a charitable donation, your money will go a long way for someone less fortunate. You may not know who benefits specifically, but rest assured they will be appreciative.
The best way to connect with a charity is to do your research and find something that truly speaks to you. Then, find the best way to support that organization. Perhaps it’s with a monthly financial donation. Others need products or donated items.
You can’t donate everywhere, so choose one or two organizations that you find worthwhile and focus your efforts on them consistently.
5. Volunteer Somewhere
If you don’t have extra money, do you have an extra hour?
Volunteering your time can be just as effective as a charitable donation. Not only are you helping people in need, but you are also getting social interaction. You might even learn something new or meet someone interesting.
As above, research different organizations to see what their needs are. These can be as diverse as delivering meals, reading or tutoring, or office help. Match your talents to the charity’s needs, and stick with your commitment once you decide what it will be.
6. Help Someone Who Needs It
Is there someone in your life who needs a little help?
Maybe a neighbor, a relative of a friend, or a nursing home resident. Everyone needs a hand sometimes. Go ahead and offer them that hand.
Reach out with a call or a text and ask if they need anything. Sometimes, just having someone make that offer makes a world of difference to somebody. Or, offer to do something specific – a ride to the airport, picking up soup and kleenex when they are sick, carpooling when their vehicle is in the shop.
7. Offer to Help People Who Seem Lost
Even with maps on our phones, people still get lost. Maybe they are unfamiliar with the area or disoriented or overwhelmed by city traffic. Often people will be too shy to ask for help on their own, or they are uncomfortable asking a stranger. Be the helping hand and point them in the right direction.
8. Offer Outdoor Workers a Cold Drink
If you have some people working in your neighborhood, or even working at your place, offer them a drink. This is especially important on really hot days. You could play the hero with a well-timed delivery of ice-cold water.
Think of landscapers, gardeners, postal and package delivery persons, and others who spend much of their time outside doing physical labor.
9. Leave Positive Comments on Social Media
Social media can be a nasty place. Some people are extraordinarily unkind when they can misbehave “unseen”. Too many people try to get a quick laugh at the expense of other people’s feelings. Other people post negative reviews of everything,
Spend some time leaving only positive social media comments. See how much people notice it. Bring people up to a higher behavior level just by leading by example.
Read More:
- Why We All Need More Kindness in Our Lives
- 50 Ways You Can Make the World a Better Place (It’s All About Kindness)
- How to Make Time to be Kind, Even in a Busy World
- How to Turn Neighbors Into Friends Through Acts of Kindness
Final Thoughts on 9 Random Acts of Kindness You Can Do Today
These are just a few random acts of kindness that you can begin with today.
- Give Someone A Sincere Compliment
- Buy the Person Behind You a Coffee
- Tell A Boss About a Good Employee
- Find a Charity You Believe In
- Volunteer Somewhere
- Help Someone Who Needs It
- Offer to Help People Who Seem Lost
- Offer Outdoor Workers a Cold Drink
- Leave Positive Comments on Social Media
What will be your random act of kindness today?
