Inspiring Ways to Spread Kindness
Did you know that there’s a day each year dedicated to spreading kindness? That’s right! Falling on November 13 each year, World Kindness Day invites people from around the globe to practice random acts of kindness towards themselves, others, and the planet.
While World Kindness Day presents a day dedicated to practicing kindness, this is something you can infuse into your life and practice daily.
By creating a positive environment through spreading kindness, the world as a whole can begin to support and help each other. Why not try some of these random acts of kindness to celebrate World Kindness Day?
Pay it Forward
The next time you are waiting for your coffee, consider buying the person behind you one as well. You could make someone’s morning—something that is unexpected can be highly appreciated.
According to Headspace, the kindness advocate, t generosity ignites happiness within, and you can create a chain of positivity by taking part in the pay it forward movement.
Pay it forward involves each person in a queue purchasing a coffee for the person behind them in line. At a Florida Starbucks, an 11-hour chain of kindness began when a stranger bought coffee for a stranger, explains NBC News. How amazing!
(Felix Mizioznikov /Shutterstock.com)
Compliment Someone
Take a moment to tell your colleague, friend, or family member how good they look today. Compliment them on their energy or personality and go deep. After all, receiving a compliment about who you really are is the best compliment of all.
Giving compliments actually enhances the well-being of both the recipient and the person giving the compliment, according to a study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
A person who is kind and compassionate will enjoy a higher quality of life and a greater sense of happiness, according to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. It’s a win-win, really, so why not be kind?
(MMD Made my dreams / Shutterstock.com)
Lend a Helping Hand
You might be able to lend a hand to an older person as they pack their shopping bags. Or you could be the figure of help for your friend if they need some help walking their dog. It’s up to you to show kindness however you choose but take advantage of every opportunity to help others and boost your good karma.
Helping others can promote changes in the brain that promote happiness, according to a study in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine. In fact, acts of kindness towards others may even have more health benefits than receiving them! That’s because doing something nice for others releases feel good hormones, like dopamine, according to the Mayo Clinic. Being nice literally changes your brain for the better.
(Iryna Inshyna / Shutterstock.com)
Express Gratitude
A little thank you goes a long way and something that costs you nothing can mean the world to someone. This act of kindness can go full circle as gratitude inspires others to be kind, so this continues the cycle of kindness, according to The Greater Good Science Center. By expressing gratitude, you show others you care and are grateful for all they do.
(Jihan Nafiaa Zahri / Shutterstock.com)
