Random Acts of Kindness Week is held from Feb. 14 – 20, and Random Acts of Kindness Day is Feb. 17. While we should be kind to people around us every day, this week reminds us to support our friends, families and everyone we come across. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation exists to “show you that love is the strongest emotion in our hearts and that kindness is the antidote to all the bad stuff.”
During the week, try some of these ideas to brighten up the lives around you, and even help yourself. Research supports that acts of kindness can help you become happier over time, so this week is the perfect time to start or continue the acts of kindness in your life.
1. Buy coffee for the person behind you in line.
2. Hold the door open for someone.
3. Give someone a compliment.
4. Send a positive text messages to people you know.
5. Volunteer at the soup kitchen or animal shelter.
6. Talk to someone new.
7. Say hi to the person next to you on the elevator or in line.
8. Surprise someone with cookies you made.
9. Tape change to a parking meter.
10. Call a friend you haven’t seen in a while to say hello.
11. Let someone go in front of you in line who only has a few items.
12. Write a recommendation for someone on a LinkedIn account.
13. Take time to tell a manager about a good employee that helped you.
14. Try to make sure every person in a group conversation feels included.
15. Write a kind note to a friend.
16. Place positive body image notes in a department store.
17. Listen intently.
18. Put money in the laundry machine for someone.
19. Return a shopping cart to its proper place.
20. Put money in a tip jar.
21. Give away clothes you don’t need.
22. Forgive someone.
23. Smile at strangers, to your friends, family and everyone.
24. Send a 'Thank You' note to a coworker who works hard.
25. Write a list of what you are thankful for.
26. Volunteer to babysit for a family for free.
27. Write a positive comment on your favorite blog, website or a friend’s social media account.
28. Participate in a garbage clean-up around your area.
29. Leave a nice tip for a server.
30. Call your grandparents.
31. Stop and talk to a homeless person.
32. Tell your family how much you appreciate them.
33. Pay the toll for the person behind you.
34. Write your partner a list of things you love about them.
35. Put gas in someone’s car.
36. Donate blood.
37. Find opportunities to give compliments. Instead of thinking one, just say it.
38. Visit a nursing home and talk with the residents.
39. Send a ‘Thank you’ card or note to the officers at your local police or fire station.
40. Run an errand for a family member who is busy.
41. Put your phone away while in the company of others.
42. Email or write to a former teacher who made a difference in your life.
43. Give someone a hug.
44. Send someone flowers.
45. Remind yourself that everyone is fighting their own battles.
46. Say thank you to a janitor.
47. Leave a letter in a library book.
48. Text someone just to say good morning or goodnight.
49. Give up your seat to someone on the subway or train.
50. Be kind to yourself.
These may seem like small acts of kindness but as Aesop said, “no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
