Random Acts of Kindness

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see” —Mark Twain

Happy (belated) World Kindness day! One way we can celebrate this day is to practice random acts of kindness. When I hear the phrase “random act of kindness,” I typically think of acts of kindness for strangers. However, it doesn’t have to be limited to strangers. Some people aren’t comfortable with interacting with people they don’t know, and that’s perfectly okay. If you’re wondering how you can live out random acts of kindness, wonder no more!

Here are some examples:

• Hold the door open for someone.

• Buy the person behind you in a coffee shop a drink.

• Assure the mom apologizing profusely because her baby is crying in the middle of the store that it’s okay; it’s what babies do.

• Make a playlist/mixtape for one of your friends.

• Get your friend their favorite candy, chocolate, smoothie, snack, etc (this one has expansive options).

• Smile at every person you pass by.

• Offer help when you see the need for it.

• Write your favorite quote on a piece of paper and give to someone.

• Compliment someone (something that can easily be seen—such as outfit, smile, glasses, etc—is best for strangers, but if you know the person, try complimenting their character).

Why should we even practice random acts of kindness? For some people, doing it out of the goodness of their own heart to help others is enough motivation. For others it’s not—and that’s perfectly okay. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation gathered up several scientific studies and put all the results on their website . 

Here’s what science says.

1. Kindness is teachable . It’s like a muscle you can work out.

2. Kindness is contagious . Random Acts of Kindness Foundation says, “one good deed in a crowded area can create a domino effect and improve the day of dozens of people.”

3. Kindness increases oxytocin (the love hormone), energy, happiness, lifespan, pleasure, and serotonin (the happy hormone).

4. Kindness decreases pain, stress, anxiety, depression, and blood pressure.

Although there is a specific day in the year dedicated to kindness, I believe we should honor it every single day. Showing kindness to every person you interact with can only have good consequences. There are going to be days when you will feel like you don’t have enough energy to be kind to others, but those are the days you need it the most. After all, your random act of kindness could be the only one they experience that day.

Source:

Make Kindness The Norm. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/the-science-of-kindness.