1) Support more small, local business.

When you support a large chain company, you are helping a millionaire buy a third house. When you shop at a small, local small business, you’re helping a little girl afford dance classes.

2) Pick up the tab on the car behind you.

Next time you’re in line at Dunkin, tell the cashier you’d like to pay for the car behind you. A small act of kindness can make anyone’s day and is likely to be passed on.

3) Donate instead of throwing away.

Instead of tossing those shirts you grew out of in the trash, try donating. Someone would love to have a warm shirt while their struggling to save up change to buy their own.

4) Compliment more.

You never know what people are going through, and it’s so easy to tell a coworker or classmate you like their earrings. It doesn’t take much to build others confidence.

5) Still order that burger, but substitute the fries for a salad.

Little changes in your diet can still make a big difference. You can still eat the foods you love while counting calories. (you can get really feisty and even ditch the bun)

6) Tell people you love them.

This is the greatest thing to hear. You never know if the next time you see someone will be the last, so make sure your loved ones know how much you value them.

7) Use compact florescent bulbs rather than standard.

A simple change in your home by using those cute spirally light bulbs will save you money by lasting longer and benefit the environment through their energy usage.

8) Drink a glass a water a day.

Use a glass of water to substitute an unneeded calorie filled sugary drink. Water helps maintain bodily fluid, energize muscles, keep your complexion clear, benefit your kidneys, and have you feeling great.

9) Learn new skills.

Whether it be a language or something silly like learning to knit, expand your skills. You’re never done learning. It’s great to become a well-rounded, educated individual. Set yourself out from the crowd!

10) Get together with your family.

This can be something like having weekly family dinners. Make sure you surround yourself with those who care about you, and make time for them!

11) Volunteer once in a while.

I promise, it won’t hurt you. Get involved with your community or a cause you’re passionate about. You’ll be helping others, and it’ll leave you feeling great to give back.

12) Donate blood. (if you can)

Of course, there are a lot

of special restrictions to being able to donate, but if you can- you should. Blood is the most precious gift you could give to someone. You could save a life.

13) Offer to cook for those in need.

If you know a family going through a hard time, such as grieving from death, offer to cook a meal for them. A small gesture from you means a lot and can take the simple stress away of making dinner for their family.

14) Recycle.

This should be an easy one, but not everyone does it. Recycling is a simple way to reduce the pollution caused by waste and make sure your great great grandchildren live in a world just as beautiful as we do today.

15) Clean a little bit each day.

This will help you a lot in the long run. Cleaning up for five minutes everyday making sure your dishes are put away and your clothes are picked up off the floor saves you from hours of cleaning at the end of the week.

16) Have a voice, and use it.

Nothing will change if nothing is done. If there is something you are passionate about- make it known! You can make a difference.

17) Take your shopping cart back to the corral.

After you bring your groceries back to your car and finish unloading, just walk the cart back to the corral. You’ll help avoid dents in people’s cars and reduce unneeded work for employees.

18) Let someone merge/ get in your lane.

Just do it. Be nice.

19) Send hand written thank you notes.

No one sends these anymore, but think how great it would be to receive one. A hand-written note is a trend we should bring back in style. They’re meaningful and full of thought.

20) Mute your phone when out with friends/family.

Give the ones who mean the most to you all your attention. Nothing is worse than trying to talk to someone when they won’t even look up from their phone.