Celebrate World Kindness Day With These Simple Gestures

A little bit of kindness goes a long way, even something as simple as a smile. November 13 is World Kindness Day, while you are not obligated to do some large generous act, or even participate at all it can be a fun and rewarding celebration to participate in. If you want to participate but don’t know where to start, we have compiled a list of small acts that can brighten someone’s day. When small acts of kindness are done, they encourage others to reciprocate. These acts of kindness make a difference for that person, and yourself. Research shows being kind makes you healthier, happier, and more relaxed. Everyone wins when goodwill is involved. There are so many different ways a person can show and promote kindness. 

Caucasian woman's toes painted lime green in soapy bath water.
Take the time to be kind to yourself. Take a bubble bath and unwind, because you deserve it.

Simple Ideas To Celebrate Kindness

  • Be kind to yourself Everyday, we go through the motions with work, school, tasks to get done, and manyother responsibilities. Take the time to practice self-love, treat yourself well, and congratulate yourself on completing tough tasks. 
  • Send flowers to a friend– When was the last time you received flowers? It most likely made you feel loved. Do the same to a friend or relative so they feel loved. Consider potted plants as they last longer and can brighten up a household. 
  • Pay it forward–  This gesture entails paying for the person behind you in a line, whether purchasing fast food or coffee. This just might start a chain reaction, plus it makes the person feel good and brighten their day.
  • Leave a generous tip– Foodservice employees work hard and a large portion of their income is based on tips.. Give a generous tip to your server to make their day. 
  • Put change in someone’s meter– While walking down the street, you might come across a car or two with expired meters. Drop some change in a meter that is, or is about to expire. 
  • Give compliments to strangers- Who does not like getting a compliment on their outfit, positive demeanor, or smile? It makes a person feel good and noticed. A simple statement like “you have great taste,” “your smile is beautiful,” or “wow, you’re radiating confidence today,” can uplift a stranger.
  • Pick up litter– Not only is your small gesture saving the world, you will also feel good about it.
  • Different colored post it notes on top of each other on a wall.
    Write a positive note and place it somewhere someone will see it. The kind words will brighten their day.

    Leave positive notes around– It can be at work, in a public bathroom, in a library book, or napkins at a coffee shop. Spread positivity and kind words around in this subtle way to make a stranger’s day.

  • Smile!Smiling provides so many benefits, to both you and the person you are smiling at. It sends the feel-good hormone to your brain, making your day (and theirs) a little better.
  • Talk to someone you see everyday– It can be your local grocery store clerk, coffee shop clerk, etc. Learn the person’s name, and make small talk next time you see them. Remember key details so you can spark a friendship.
  • Send a text of gratitude– Send a family member, friend, or loved one a positive text of why you admire them, and how proud you are of them. 

You never know the struggles someone might be going through. Everyone is human, and no one escapes our world without some form of pain. Random acts of kindness bring a little hope and happiness back into everyone’s day. It reminds a person that the world is not such a bad place, and that they are not alone. It also promotes others to spread kindness. Compassion ripples outward like a stone thrown into a pond So, remember your small kind acts, not just on November 13, but every day!