17th February is Random Acts of Kindness Day.
“Kind words and actions can seem so small, but their effects are truly endless.” (Unknown)
Engaging in random acts of kindness has a positive effect on mental health and wellbeing on both sides.
Being kind and helping others promotes positive and powerful physiological impacts in the brain and is associated with increased happiness. Random acts of kindness can also help us to feel more connected and therefore help reduce feelings of isolation or loneliness. Being kind and considerate can also help support a more positive outlook and perspective.
Random Acts of Kindness can include:
Donating to charity
Let somebody know you are thinking of them or care
Helping somebody with their shopping
Leave somebody a random positive note or card
Giving to the homeless
Play with your pet or offer to take care of somebody else
Cook
Give somebody a compliment
Volunteer
Offering to help out your neighbours
Picking up litter
Smile at strangers, say ‘hello’
Offering to pay for somebody coffee
Check in with somebody just to ask them how they are
Send a friend or loved one a surprise gift
Be friendly and talk to people you meet during the day
Offer up your seat to somebody who may need it
Pop into a neighbours
Give other drivers way
Express thanks or gratitude to somebody else
Remember to be kind to yourself too. Talk to yourself kindly and treat yourself and others well. It’s not just about being kind to others - be sure to allow yourself to receive kindness from others too.
Happy Random Acts of Kindness Day!