Random Acts of Kindness Ideas

 Now more than ever it’s the little things that can easily make someone else’s day — and yours!

They say kindness is contagious. The more nice things you do for others, the more that makes others prone to do the same. That said, what goes around comes around — performing random acts of kindness upon others can make you happier, too, over the long haul.

 “People who engage in kind acts become happier over time,” says Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside. “When you are kind to others, you feel good as a person—more moral, optimistic and positive.” 

 Especially during this historic moment, kindness can go a long way. But, where do you start? Here are some ideas on ways you can make someone’s day that much better — and yours as well.

Treat the next person in line –Standing in line for your lunch or sitting in a drive-through? Buy something for the person in line behind you. Knowing that you will make a stranger’s day better can help you have a better day, too, and likely make them pass on another act of kindness to someone else. If you’re feeling extra generous, you can buy multiple people’s orders.

Volunteer – You can choose to volunteer at a food bank, a neighborhood cleanup, or give blood. Many nonprofits have even shifted their volunteering needs to make it more accessible to volunteer from home. No matter where you choose to volunteer your time, you’re bound to feel great, and help others feel the same for donating your time to them. In fact, science proves this to be true.

 “People who volunteer tend to have higher self-esteem, psychological well-being, and happiness,” says Mark Snyder, a psychologist and head of the Center for the Study of the Individual and Society at the University of Minnesota. ”All of these things go up as their feelings of social connectedness goes up, which in reality, it does. It also improves their health and even their longevity.”

Learn more about how you can donate blood or plasma here. 

Donations-While many of us are busy hunkering down and pouring over the latest CDC recommendations, millions of nonprofit professionals all over the world are working to continue to deliver services and implement programs, uninterrupted. And that’s going to be really, really difficult. 

Whether they’re on the front lines of the fight to quell the coronavirus, or their mission is entirely unrelated to the current crisis, your support can make a big difference. While clothing and home goods might not be the best donation at this time, monetary donations are a big help. If you have the resources, consider making a donation to your favorite organization in need.

Don’t skimp on compliments – It’s the easiest way to brighten someone’s day! It doesn’t cost you a thing, nor requires a lot of effort. You can even do this while social distancing. If you can find something to compliment — whether it’s someone’s outfit, their new haircut, how well their presentation went — then let that person know. Even the smallest comments of praise can make someone smile, and make you feel better about your own self.

Give thanks – Essential personnel, like healthcare workers, grocery store employees,  gas station attendants, police officers and firefighters, often don’t get the thanks they deserve. It’s important to take a moment and think about all they’ve done in the past several months and will continue to do in the future, and tell them how appreciative you are of their work. Be it a phone call, letter, email or sign in your front yard, these people risk their lives on the front lines, and offering a simple “thanks” can mean all the difference. In addition, you can also thank your family, friends and other loved ones if they’ve recently done something you’re grateful for.

Kindness really is contagious, after all so get out there today and make a positive difference.