The Power of Random Acts of Kindness
The power kindness can have on ourselves, others and the community is incredible - and definitely underrated. Random acts of kindness, a selfless act of kindness towards a loved one or stranger, is done for no other reason that to make others happier.
Benefits of kindness:
Increase in energy
Release the love hormone Oxytocin
Produce serotonin which makes you happy and calms you down
‘Helpers high’ makes you feel like you were the recipient of the act of kindness, even if you were the giver
Kindness is contagious and can impact whole communities
Produces endorphins which can reduce pain
According to Christine Carter, Author, “Raising Happiness; In Pursuit of Joyful Kids and Happier Parents”, “People who volunteer tend to experience fewer aches and pains. Giving help to others protects overall health twice as much as aspirin protects against heart disease. People 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organizations have an impressive 44% lower likelihood of dying early, and that’s after sifting out every other contributing factor, including physical health, exercise, gender, habits like smoking, marital status and many more. This is a stronger effect than exercising four times a week or going to church.”
Source: randomactsofkindness.org
Easy ideas:
Leave money in a parking meter for the next person to find
give someone a hug (if they are comfortable for you to do this)
Plant a tree or flowers
Give a stranger a compliment
Send someone a card or letter just to let them know you are thinking about them
Smile at strangers
Volunteer - even if it is just for an hour or two
Pick up litter
Do a favour with out expecting something in return
Check in on your neighbours, especially if they are older or live alone
Stop to help somebody who appears to be struggling
Take the time to listen to someone’s day
Hold the door open
Give your seat up for someone on public transport
Avoid complaining for the day
Purchase from a local business
Let someone into your lane when driving
Mow your neighbours lawn
Always say thank you
Bake or cook for someone. This could be friends, family, co-workers or even neighbours
Buy the person behind you in the queue a drink
Donate food, nappies, long life milk and other essentials to your local Food Bank
Take things you don’t need to a charity shop
Let someone in front of you in queue
Donate old blankets, towels and duvets to the Animal Shelter
Leave positive notes for a stranger to find. This could be on someone’s car, on transport, in the pocket of clothing in a shop
Give a friend a lift
Send a kind email to a co-worker
Return someone’s trolley for them at the supermarket
Be kind to yourself!
