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American aviator Amelia Earhart is quoted as saying, "A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.". Isn't that the truth? Whether you've been the giver or on the receiving end of a random act of kindness, you know the power that one small action can hold. In a world where many face tragedy or sadness alone or put on a happy face despite adversity, a hint of goodwill from an acquaintance or stranger can often unknowingly be the sole bright spot in a person's day, often prompting a ripple effect as they go on to share the good with others. Plus, as many small acts of kindness require little on the giver's end, what's holding you back from making someone's day today?
As an added incentive, kindness is not only good for the beneficiary, but it can also do wonders for your own health! According to the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, research shows that being kind can lead to increases in energy levels, extend your lifespan and lower your blood pressure and anxiety levels. If that's not enough, the Mayo Clinic shares research has shown that doing good for humanity can increase serotonin levels to make you feel great, while decreasing cortisol (the stress hormone) levels. Convinced? Time to get out there and spread joy!
- Next time you think of a compliment, share it!
- Make muffins and take some to neighbors
- Send a fun postcard in the mail
- Order UberEats or DoorDash to surprise a loved one with a treat
- Send flowers or candy for no reason
- Ask someone how they are doing and really listen
- Call a family member you haven't spoken to in a while
- Pick up trash in your neighborhood
- Rake the leaves of a neighbor who isn’t able
- Offer to babysit for new parents
- Express gratitude to someone who has helped you
- Invite a friend over for coffee on your porch or patio
- Share a good recipe
- Donate used grocery bags to a local food pantry
- Make a charitable contribution to a struggling business
- Take some old books to a "Little Library" near you
- Welcome a new neighbor to the neighborhood
- Send a care package to the military
- Pay for the person behind you in line for coffee
- Tip someone in the service industry a little extra
- Ask a customer service person how their day is going
- Leave a note anonymously for someone to find a compliment
- Paint inspirational rocks and place them around your neighborhood
- Text or call an old friend and check in on them
- Volunteer your time at a soup kitchen or non-profit organization
- Consider adopting a family to help with Christmas expenses
- Offer a person in need a granola bar or snack
- Anonymously leave a note or gift for a coworker
- Deliver a hearty meal to someone in need
- Smile at a stranger on the street
- Help an older person load an item into their car
- Offer to help a neighbor with a home project
- Tell someone who inspired you how they changed your life
- Hide something funny for your roommate or partner to find
- Make dinner or a treat for local first responders
- Share a great coupon you’ve found with others who might like it
- Send thank-you notes in the mail
- Offer to wash someone’s car
- Offer to help your friends out on moving day
- Tape change to a parking meter
- Return someone’s cart for them at the store
- Donate your hair to a good cause
- Pay the adoption fee for a rescue animal
- Leave change in a vending machine
- Let someone go before you in line
- Instead of asking for gifts, use your birthday to raise awareness for your favorite charity
- Pay for someone’s bus, cab or Uber fare
- Help someone in need cross the street
- Plan a surprise party for someone
- Volunteer at a retirement home
- Host a free lemonade stand
- Donate blood
- Hold the elevator door
- Do another family member’s chores
- Buy groceries for a family in need
- Make breakfast for a family member before they leave for school or work
- Give a teacher a thank-you gift
- Call your grandparents and ask them to tell you a story from their youth
- Help someone elderly carry out their groceries
- Leave a treat on someone’s doorstep
- Slow down and let someone merge in front of you in traffic
- Let someone else take that prime parking spot
- Play BINGO or sing some songs at your local nursing home
- Help someone who may be lost by giving them directions
- Leave a positive, uplifting comment on an internet post
- Leave a nice note for your local delivery driver or mail carrier
- Give a message of encouragement to a new parent
- Learn CPR for future emergency situations
- Pass along a compliment to a fellow coworker for all their hard work
- Sign up for a virtual volunteer event
- Save the environment by planting a tree
- Participate in a local fundraiser event
- Offer someone your extra pen
- Share a funny video or inspiration message with someone you know is struggling
- Lend a friend your favorite book
- Bring toys to the local homeless shelter or animal shelter
- Bake a special treat for the office
- Leave a nice note on someone’s car
- Share your umbrella with someone
- Make someone laugh
- Offer to take a group or couple photo for someone
- Reconnect with an old friend or classmate
- Write down the best qualities about a person and give it to them
- Leave some quarters at the local laundromat
- Seek out ways to help local veterans
- Take a walk with your neighbor
- Learn sign language
- Connect a charity to your Amazon account
- Donate blankets to a homeless shelter or animal shelter
- Take 15 minutes to really mindfully listen to someone
- Disconnect from technology when you are with your family or friends
- Donate extra clothing or shoes that you no longer wear
- Let someone who lost or forgot their phone make a call on yours
- Teach someone a new hobby or trade
- Help someone fix a flat tire
- Teach someone a new language
- Donate extra canned foods to your local food pantry
- Walk your neighbor’s dog
- Give someone a ride to work that does not have transportation
- Share an inspirational quote
- Donate money to a charity that inspires you
- Leave a positive review for a small business you love
- Sign up as a mentor through your alumni network
- Email your boss and tell them how you appreciate their leadership
- Donate your time to tutor at a local school
- Offer to collect items or money at the office for a local charity
- Write a kind social media post about someone who has helped you grow
- Tell someone you love them
How will you brighten someone's day today?
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