We are all pleasantly surprised at the moments where we experience a random act of kindness––someone letting you go ahead of them in line, another person paying you a compliment. It might seem simple, but the beauty in random acts of kindness is that it takes very little to make someone’s day. As a reminder that it feels good to make people feel good, today we celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day!
According to randomactsofkindness.org, “the work to create a kinder world never ends. There is no limit on the amount of goodness we can put into the world.” In efforts to make kindness the norm, annually on February 17th we promote these acts to make those around us feel amazing, in hopes they pay it forward.
It is proven that acts of kindness boost your mood and self-esteem. The Mayo Clinic states kindness increases empathy and compassion, while improving mood and self-esteem along with decreasing blood pressure and cortisol (the stress hormone). The benefits are physical and emotional, meaning today we start within ourselves to create a kinder, healthier world.
What exactly is a random act of kindness and how do you start? The great news is anyone can make someone’s day. We’ve listed some of our favorite acts of kindness below in no particular order. Most of them just take an easy action either verbally, physically or both. Some of them are for those that want to go the extra mile!
Text a friend and tell them you love them.
Open the door for a stranger.
Tell someone they’re doing a great job, whether or not you know them.
Buy the next person in line a tea or coffee.
Pay a compliment to a stranger, it can be anything from loving their hair to complimenting their energy!
Tip your server a little extra and leave them a sweet note on the bill.
Offer help to someone, like an elderly person, by carrying their groceries to their car or home.
Leave no trace wherever you go, throw your trash away and make a custodian’s job easier.
Send a nice letter to your parents, grandparents, or guardian.
Offer to babysit for a friend.
Tell a friend you’re thinking of them and wish them a great day.
Send a care package to someone who needs it (OLAPLEX makes a great surprise!)
Get to know a co-worker better.
Let someone merge into your lane or pass on the street or highway.
Safely clean up your local beach or park.
If everyone did a few or more random acts of kindness every day, the world would be a better place. Here’s to fostering a kind spirit that inspires others to spread the love!
