21 Random Acts Of Kindness For Today & Every Day

Today is World Kindness Day, a day that promotes the importance of being kind to others, and equally as significant, being kind to yourself. And we’ll be real; after the past two years, the need for kindness feels more poignant than ever. As the world came to a standstill in March 2020 and we navigated a global pandemic, acts of kindness and small moments of joy felt monumental. For months on end, we craved simple things like daily acts of kindness, and so now as the world returns –dare we say it – to normal, we wanted to inspire you guys with 21 small acts of kindness that help spread positivity. Seriously, some of these acts are only minor but they could make someone’s day, or at the very least, make them smile – and what’s more important than that?

The Benefits of Kindness

Did you know there are actually proven scientific benefits of being kind to someone? And they’re not only mental benefits but physical benefits too. True story: research proves that people who are kind can actually live longer! Even witnessing acts of kindness will help your brain produce oxytocin, which lowers blood pressure and improves your overall heart health. It also increases levels of self-esteem and optimism. Plus, studies have shown that as being kind stimulates serotonin product (the feel-good chemical) it boosts and calms your mood while even aiding in wound healing. According to research from Emory University, there’s also something called ‘helper’s high,’ which is your brain’s feel-good response when you are kind to another person. This natural response is an evolutionary instinct thanks to the fact that helping others is beneficial to human survival!

Seriously, there are SO many reasons to be kind, here’s where to start…

1. Dedicate an Hour of Your Day Helping a Friend in Need

We all go through tough times, and sometimes all we need is someone there to comfort us. Spend an hour listening to your friend or family member and give them words of genuine affirmation. It may eat into your Netflix time but it could change their week.

2. Buy from Small Businesses

Supporting small businesses is ultra-important and can often feel so rewarding as they’re the companies that need your love and support the most.

3. Recycle and Reuse

Be kind to the planet, not just the people in your circle.

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4. Send Someone Some Love on Instagram

Compliment someone on social media and spread some much-needed positivity on Instagram. It may take two seconds, but it could change someone’s mood.

5. Be Kind to Everyone Around You

“How others treat the CEO says nothing, they say. But how others treat the waiter is like a magical window into the soul.” – Del Jones. We couldn’t agree more.

6. Write Positive Sticky Notes

Leaving a cute post-it note is such a simple and quick way to brighten up someone’s day.

7. Tell a Colleague, Friend, or Family Member How Much They Mean to You

It’s nice to compliment the way someone looks, but it’s kind to randomly go out of your way to take the time to delve deeper. Message a friend or family member and tell them why you love them and what makes them so special, or tell a colleague who’s having a tough week just how brilliant they are and why you enjoy working with them – it may feel random or put you out of your comfort zone, but it will mean SO much to them.

The difference between being kind and being nice: Being kind involves doing something that will make someone else happy (sticking up for someone, going out of your way, doing something difficult etc), whereas being nice is more in the simple things that are said in the moment normal behavior that is expected of us). Read more examples here.

8. Foster A Pet Up For Adoption

By taking an animal in need temporarily into your home you’re freeing up a spot so the shelter or rescue can take in another animal.

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9. Run an Errand For/With a Loved One

Whether it’s picking up someone’s dry cleaning or walking their dog, do something for someone else without asking for a favor in return.

10. Cheer Someone on

Be a cheerleader – you never know how your words can encourage and inspire.

11. Send a Card, Handwritten Letter or a Postcard

There’s something so special about receiving a handwritten note as it requires time and effort and will show someone how much you care for them.

12. Volunteer

Crazy fact: 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.

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13. Be Spontaneous

Random and natural acts of kindness are often the most rewarding.

14. Share Something you Like With a Friend or Colleague

Nothing makes us happier than a friend sending us a song or article that they think we will enjoy – it shows that they think of you and that they’re invested in your happiness.

15. Donate Towels or Blankets to a Homeless Shelter

It may be a blanket you no longer use or an extra towel, but giving it to someone who really needs it will be a far greater use for it.

16. Mentor Someone Who Needs Guidance

Navigating school, work, or college can be really hard, so why not offer someone some guidance to make their journey a little bit easier.

17. Pick up Litter on the Beach

Picking up litter at the beach will not only help local wildlife but it makes the beach more picturesque for the whole community to enjoy.

18. Make Someone Something from Scratch

It could be tea, coffee, cake, a painting… Get creative!

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19. Find Out Something New About a Coworker

A sliver of compassionate conversation can be all it takes to show a person how genuine and caring you are.

20. Share your Fave Recipe

Food brings people together and spreads so. Much. Joy.

21. Be Kind to Yourself

The world is full of kind people, if you can’t find one, be one. Especially to yourself.