Who doesn’t want a little more kindness in their life? Engaging in random acts of kindness has become increasingly popular, with more people helping others or being on the receiving end of thoughtful gestures. With this in mind, here are some unique ideas for you to help spread cheer to others—today and every day.
1. Send a Handwritten Note
In today’s age of sending a quick text or clicking “like” on Facebook, it’s easy to overlook that some people deserve more. Writing a handwritten note really stands out from the social media pack and tells others you truly care. It’s a thoughtful gesture that brings about smiles and good feelings, so consider mailing a note to someone. No need to write a book (unless you want); conveying a special thank you or succinct, meaningful congratulatory words will be appreciated.
2. Be Nice in the Workplace
Being kind isn’t just about extending pleasant words and actions to friends and family members, but also involves treating colleagues well. I’ve written on this topic many times, advocating the need for there to be more kindness and less rudeness on the work front. In fact, studies have shown that rudeness spreads in the work environment and lingers, creating one giant, unhappy mess day after day.
Share a smile with a colleague you normally don’t interact with, express thoughts without yelling and cursing, and if you are in the position to do so, extend a realistic work-life balance approach throughout your work culture. All of these are kind behaviors that can boost morale, increase productivity, and make individuals happier in general.
3. Offer to Babysit
If you know of a couple that’s been stressed and desperately wanting to get away, you can help. Contact a friend and let them know that you want to babysit for them, no questions asked and no payment expected. This way, they can head out and have some time to themselves, even if it’s just about taking a drive around the area and seeing what’s new in town. The offer will be music to their ears and will make you feel good knowing you’re allowing good friends to spend some much-needed time to themselves.
4. Mail a Small Gift to Someone You Don’t Often See
There’s nothing like the element of surprise to put a smile on someone’s face. Send a small gift to a family member, friend or even an acquaintance you may interact with on the computer, but rarely in person. This can range from an affordable movie gift card to a handmade item that suits their style. Sending a gift that has nothing to do with a holiday or special occasion sends a caring message.
5. Make a Recipe that Says You Pay Attention to Others
Anyone can hit the store and bring a box of cookies to a friend. While that’s a thoughtful idea, why not do something even more unique to show them you’ve been paying attention to their favorite things? For example, if you know someone doesn’t care for strawberries, make a dish that excludes it instead of going by what the recipe says. Or, if they love chocolate chips, add it to a recipe that doesn’t suggest it in the ingredient list for an element of surprise and added thoughtfulness.
1. Send a Handwritten Note
In today’s age of sending a quick text or clicking “like” on Facebook, it’s easy to overlook that some people deserve more. Writing a handwritten note really stands out from the social media pack and tells others you truly care. It’s a thoughtful gesture that brings about smiles and good feelings, so consider mailing a note to someone. No need to write a book (unless you want); conveying a special thank you or succinct, meaningful congratulatory words will be appreciated.
2. Be Nice in the Workplace
Being kind isn’t just about extending pleasant words and actions to friends and family members, but also involves treating colleagues well. I’ve written on this topic many times, advocating the need for there to be more kindness and less rudeness on the work front. In fact, studies have shown that rudeness spreads in the work environment and lingers, creating one giant, unhappy mess day after day.
Share a smile with a colleague you normally don’t interact with, express thoughts without yelling and cursing, and if you are in the position to do so, extend a realistic work-life balance approach throughout your work culture. All of these are kind behaviors that can boost morale, increase productivity, and make individuals happier in general.
3. Offer to Babysit
If you know of a couple that’s been stressed and desperately wanting to get away, you can help. Contact a friend and let them know that you want to babysit for them, no questions asked and no payment expected. This way, they can head out and have some time to themselves, even if it’s just about taking a drive around the area and seeing what’s new in town. The offer will be music to their ears and will make you feel good knowing you’re allowing good friends to spend some much-needed time to themselves.
4. Mail a Small Gift to Someone You Don’t Often See
There’s nothing like the element of surprise to put a smile on someone’s face. Send a small gift to a family member, friend or even an acquaintance you may interact with on the computer, but rarely in person. This can range from an affordable movie gift card to a handmade item that suits their style. Sending a gift that has nothing to do with a holiday or special occasion sends a caring message.
5. Make a Recipe that Says You Pay Attention to Others
Anyone can hit the store and bring a box of cookies to a friend. While that’s a thoughtful idea, why not do something even more unique to show them you’ve been paying attention to their favorite things? For example, if you know someone doesn’t care for strawberries, make a dish that excludes it instead of going by what the recipe says. Or, if they love chocolate chips, add it to a recipe that doesn’t suggest it in the ingredient list for an element of surprise and added thoughtfulness.
6. Acknowledge People on Social Media
Everyone wants to see more likes on their Facebook page. For many, it’s all about the comments and followers. While it may be important to boost your social media message for business reasons, why not take a step back and call attention to another person’s work or talents? If you’re a fan of a certain blog or Instagram account, why not share it with your own followers, tagging them appropriately? This will show that you’re open-minded while also giving the other person a lift.
Everyone wants to see more likes on their Facebook page. For many, it’s all about the comments and followers. While it may be important to boost your social media message for business reasons, why not take a step back and call attention to another person’s work or talents? If you’re a fan of a certain blog or Instagram account, why not share it with your own followers, tagging them appropriately? This will show that you’re open-minded while also giving the other person a lift.
7. Last but not Least . . . Be Kind to Yourself!
Don’t forget to be kind to yourself, especially if you tend to put your needs last. Sure, it’s good to be kind to others, but it’s also important to treat yourself well. So go ahead and buy your favorite flowers, get a massage, or purchase that fun mug that caught your eye.
Kindness is always in style.
©Copyright 2016, Jennifer Lea Reynolds, The Kindness Couture, and TheKindnessCouture.com. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to
Jennifer Lea Reynolds and The Kindness Couture with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Credit for all images: publicdomainpictures.net
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