Practising Random Acts of Kindness Will Change Your Life
If you’ve ever been the recipient of a random act of kindness the chances are you will never forget it. Just thinking of a kind acts warms the heart and makes the world feel well. One thing for sure is that practising randoms acts of kindness will change your life and the recipients of your kind act.
Think back to a time when someone gave your a compliment, did something for you out of the blue like gave you flowers. Or maybe someone offered their aid, such as carrying your grocery bags or offering other assistance.
A sweet surprise can make a difference to someone’s day. But did you know these experiences are also good for your health and improve your overall well-being? Random act connect us, these selfless acts can bring us purpose while brightening someone’s day. Below are some of the benefits of random acts of kindness.
Kind Acts Encourage Gratitude
Doing something nice for someone else can make you feel grateful for your blessings. This is especially true if the is less fortunate than you. When you have the ability to give even the smallest bit of yourself to someone else, it shines perspective on the abundance you have in your life.
Doing for Others Helps to Reduce Stress
Focusing on someone else is great way to gain renewed perspective. Besides random acts of kindness make you feel good, it also releases feel-good hormones and increases your happiness. And when you troubles seem less is also helps to reduce your stress levels.
Improve Mood and Happiness
Numerous studies show that giving has a positive effect on mood. When people engage in random acts of kindness it is natural to feel better about life in general. All of which improves mood, can lead to less anxiety and increase energy levels. In fact, research shows that the pleasure and reward centers of the brain actually light up in those who perform these acts. Much the same way as it occurs in a recipient.
Increase Endorphins (Less Pain) When You Give to Others
You might even feel physically better when you practice kindness. It’s been proven that endorphins are released in the brain after doing something for someone else. Endorphins are hormones produced in the brain and nervous system. They’re often referred to as natural painkillers for their pain reducing abilities.
Better Relationships
When you do something nice for another person, they will naturally recall that act with fondness. Random acts of kindness promote good feelings among people and increase connections. These bonds can lead to better relationships and lasting positive interpersonal results.
These are merely a handful of the rewards that come from doing random acts of kindness. Remember, it doesn’t matter how small the gesture. Doing good always makes a positive difference to both the giver and the recipient.
Examples of Random Acts of Kindness To Inspire You
Performing random acts of kindness may be new to you, so it’s possible you have no idea how to begin. That’s okay. Coming up with ideas can be tough. That’s why today’s blog post is packed full of things you can do to make someone else’s day a little brighter. Some of the activities will cost you nothing and take only a moment of your time. Others will be more in-depth. Choose whatever fits your comfort level and the occasion.
Below are examples of random acts of kindness to inspire you:
- Hold the door open for the person behind you whose hands are full
- Allow the shopper in the grocery line move ahead of you if you only have a few items and their cart is full
- Check on an elderly neighbor or shut-in
- Donate your old clothes to charity
- Tape change to a parking meter or vending machine
- Give the new employee a tour of your work area or offer to sit with them at lunch
- At a nursing home, a homeless shelter, a soup kitchen, your kid’s school, anywhere
- Adopt a child or family during the holidays to give gifts to
- Send a get-well card to someone, or even a card for no reason whatsoever
- Ask for donations to your favorite charity instead of presents for your birthday
- Smile at someone on the street
- Give a genuine compliment
- Pay for the person behind you in line at the fast food restaurant or drive through
- Let the manager of the store know when an associate gives you exceptional service
- Leave kind notes in the dressing room to encourage body positivity
- Offer to babysit for parents who really need a night away or to help with the nightly feedings for a new mother friend
- Clean up the trash in your neighborhood or at your favorite outdoor recreation spot like a park or beach
- Visit a nursing home just to spend time with those who rarely receive visitors or to bring treats for the residents
- Send a note of thanks to someone who’s made a big difference in your life
- Pay for someone’s layaway who hasn’t made a payment in a long while
- Fundraise by participating in a 5K, walk or other sponsored activity
- Shovel the driveway for elderly neighbors or those who may otherwise have trouble doing the job themselves
- Mowing lawns and raking leaves are also good ideas
- Mentor a young person entering your profession
- Help someone stranded on the side of the road
- Take the time to listen to someone who is having a bad day
Hopefully, the above list will inspire you to begin sharing random acts of kindness with those around you. Pick one from the list or come up with an idea of your own, then just do it. See how you feel. Chances are you’ll be ready to do another one tomorrow.
Try Doing A Random Act Of Kindness Today
Even after yesterday’s list of ideas to get you started, you still may not be convinced you’re ready to go out there to spread unexpected joy in the world. I can understand that. Giving without a special occasion or particular reason feels foreign. You may worry about the reaction you’ll receive. Let’s explore some of these issues so you can move on from your comfort zone and try a random act of kindness today.
About Random Acts of Kindness
Kindness goes beyond simply being nice. Being kind is selfless. It requires empathy and putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. In our busy modern world, we’re often consumed with hectic schedules and too many commitments. That can make it difficult to look outside of ourselves and consider the needs of others. Random acts of kindness require you to take the leap and do just that. These selfless acts are to be performed on behalf of others for no other reason than to make their day better or improve their mood.
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Doing random acts of kindness take you out of your own little world. And allow you to connect with others in meaningful ways. This can have a very powerful effect on you, your recipient and anyone who sees or comes in contact with your efforts. Performing unsolicited good deeds adds positivity to the world around you.
It will rarely have negative repercussions. Try taking just one small step outside your comfort zone to give to another in even the smallest of ways. Then try something a bit more daring the next day. Each positive response will increase your confidence.
Are you ready to start performing random acts of kindness today? Hopefully, you’ve given some thought to what’s holding you back and feel enthusiastic about all the ways you could enhance the lives of those around you.
Random Acts of Kindness Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated or Expensive
One thing I’ve learned along the way to becoming proficient at performing random acts of kindness is that it takes practice and creativity. I’ve already shared some ways for you to get started on your own do-gooder practice, but you still may not be convinced. Doing something for others doesn’t have to take much effort at all. It also doesn’t have to cost a dime. Let’s take a look at some ways you can reach out and brighten someone’s day in the easiest way. You can never have too many good examples.
- Smile at a stranger
- Encourage someone who’s struggling
- Give a word of praise to someone who’s least expecting it, like your boss
- Hold the elevator for someone who’s in a rush
- Read a child a story
- Listen to someone’s complaint
- Say a heartfelt thank you
- Share a friend’s creative work on social media
- Call someone you haven’t talked to in a long time just to say hello
- Leave a blog comment when you read a post that truly resonates with you
- Offer a homeless person your leftovers from a restaurant or bagged lunch
- Tell a frazzled parent what a good job they’re doing or how well-behaved their child is
- Give someone a hug if they say it’s okay to do so
- Offer to return someone’s shopping cart
- Share a kind word with the customer service representative, either on the phone or in-person
- Give up your seat to someone standing on the subway or bus
- Write a short message of thanks or encouragement to a co-worker, your partner or random stranger
- Say hello to a homeless person
- Introduce yourself to a new neighbor or co-worker
- Make introductions between your contacts if you feel they could benefit each other or get along well
- Let someone merge in front of you when driving in heavy traffic
- Offer to take on someone’s work task if you have time and they seem swamp
- Give someone a ride who doesn’t have a car
- Make amends for past wrongs to someone who was once in your life
- Agree to an activity you might not enjoy just because someone else will love it
- Invite someone to your holiday celebration if you know they’ll be alone
- Share your expert knowledge with someone who has questions and has asked for advice
- Write a recommendation on LinkedIn
- Offer to pick up items for others when you’re heading out to grab lunch or run an errand
- Recognize someone for their good idea or contribution during a work meeting
Okay, now are you ready to get out there and start sharing random acts of kindness? All of these are super-easy, low-effort and free ways to brighten someone’s day. You can do it!
Make a Big Impact On The World Around You
We’ve talked a great deal about the ways that small acts of kindness can have powerful results. They can truly change someone’s outlook and brighten their day.
Today, I’d like to move on to discuss ways to give back and share with others that involve more effort.
If you have the time, money or other resources to give, there are a lot of ways to make a big impact on the world around you. These types of activities may not be for everyone. But they’re certainly worthwhile if you are able to take part in them. Let’s explore some of the large-scale random acts of kindness you can take on if you want to provide in a grand way.
Start or Participate in a Fundraiser
Fundraising is important and can benefit a number of causes, from individuals in need to assisting the victims of natural disasters. Spearheading or even taking part in an established movement can entail a great deal of work and commitment.
The results are usually tremendous, though. If you want to help someone in a big way, setting up or helping with a fundraiser is a great way to do it. You could rally everyone at your school, office or community to get involved.
It’s also possible for your movement to reach a national scale, depending upon your resources and public interest.
Create a Foundation or Nonprofit
Another way to see results on a big scale is to set up a charitable foundation or nonprofit organization. You can benefit a particular cause through your efforts, and the number of people it’s possible to help is impactful.
In order to do either of these activities, you will likely need a large amount of money and the help of experts like lawyers and financial advisers. However, it is possible to obtain grants or other funding backers to help you. There may be fewer limits than you think.
Practise Philanthropy
Volunteering is something you can do in your free time on occasion. Many people do this. It can also be undertaken at a larger level. You could take on the effort of establishing a crew of volunteers, perhaps from your work or just among friends, to help out a particular cause.
Sometimes the benefactors of such volunteerism are individuals or families who are experiencing a difficult time. Other times, an existing organization can reap the rewards of your efforts. Volunteering on a large-scale may seem intimidating, but it’s not so bad when many people pitch in. You just might be the motivational leader to make it happen.
If you’ve ever felt compelled to make a difference in a big way, consider one of these options. Some extra effort, dedication and resources can result in a random act of kindness that goes beyond anything you ever imagined.
Use Your Voice To Make A Difference
There are so many ways to reach out and be kind to others. We’ve discussed doing so in big ways and with the simplest of acts. Today, I’d like to explore some of the ways you can use your voice to make a difference in the lives of those around you. We all have preferred communication methods. Using your preferred approach can make performing random acts of kindness less stressful or intimidating. Keep reading to discover what I mean.
Verbal Methods for Random Acts of Kindness
Some of us are good at using our actual voices to convey meaning. Talking is the way we most like to communicate. If this sounds like you, try to capitalize on that fact. Tell someone they’re doing a great job. Call your loved one up on the phone to let them know you’re thinking of them. Go visit your neighbor to check in and make sure they’re all right. Those who are outgoing and love to talk have lots of ways they can engage in random acts of kindness.
Written Options
Other folks may not feel comfortable about speaking out random acts of kindness but writing notes is a is a less vulnerable. You might deal with social anxiety or be more introverted by nature.
If that’s the case, there are still plenty of ways to show others you care and brighten their day. Maybe you’re a good written communicator. If so, send an email of thanks to a coworker. Write a quick note on a post-it to surprise your child. Submit a review of a colleague on their business profile. Or leave a lovely blog comment for your favorite online personality of blog writer.
Use Your Artistic Expression
You don’t actually have to use your voice at all if you prefer to be more creative in your good deeds. You can volunteer to draw a mural for your neighborhood. Perhaps teaching an art class at the local community center or volunteering to paint with residents of a nursing home might be enjoyable for you. Using your creative gifts are also fantastic ways to make your voice heard in a meaningful way for others.
Body Language and Gestures
Another way to communicate good will is in the subtle art of body language. A smile, hug or simply being present can make a huge difference in someone’s life. It’s okay to tell someone who’s going through a difficult time that you’d like to be there for them even if you don’t have the words or know-how to improve their life. Physically being near is a great comfort to many. That might be something you’re comfortable in doing. We can all give someone a smile or encouraging nod, at the very least.
Consider these ways of giving back through your words or other forms of language. There are truly no limits to the ways we all can perform random acts of kindness.
Inspire Others To Pay It Forward
“Kindness is contagious?” Most sayings like this come to become widely known because they’re based in truth. Research has found scientific evidence for the fact that kindness can spread in various ways. You’ve surely experienced or witnessed instances in which someone has paid it forward or a movement has spread based on one person’s good deed. In today’s post, I’d like to explore this concept further and show you just how far-reaching the concept of helping others can be.
Both Giver and Receiver Benefit
Everyone benefits from random acts of kindness. The giver feels good and gets that “helper’s high” from going out of their way to brighten someone else’s day. The recipient enjoys the surprise of a positive an unsolicited gesture.
We all appreciate when someone is nice to us. These good feelings tend to create a cycle because those involved want to continue feeling good. The giver gets a rush from helping someone and will often be motivated to keep giving in various ways. The recipient wants to share the rewards they’ve just gained. They may feel an obligation to “pay it forward”, but they know they will experience a reward, as well.
Observers Also Experience the Benefits
Even if you’re not a direct part of the act of kindness, you can benefit. It is known as a phenomenon referred to as “moral elevation”. It works by creating positive feelings. When certain events are triggered within the peripheral and central nervous systems ist is as if it’s contagious.
These neuro physical connections occur when someone witnesses or hears about randoms acts of kindness or feel-good stories. This is the high or euphoric feeling you then get and motivates you to want to do something good. It is the foundation of paying-it-forward.
What’s Holding You Back from Sharing Your Gifts of Kindness?
There are lots of things that could be keeping you from sharing random acts of kindness with others. Many people feel insecure about putting themselves out there and allowing themselves to be vulnerable. It takes courage and self-confidence to give freely to another with no agenda or particular reason.
Once you begin to practice doing little acts here and there it will become easier. Especially when you see the response of someone whose received your act of kindness.
What If People Resist These Acts
Sometimes people feel themselves to be unworthy. Or they may feel suspicious or some kind of attachment to the gift. Though it may feel vulnerable taking the leap of faith is worth it.
In truth most people who receive the random act are happy and enthusiastic to get such a surprise. Though it may catch them off guard since most people receive few if any such gestures. You will be surprised to see how many people are open and love such random acts of kindness.
Build Community with Random Acts of Kindness
When children grow up in a family in which kindness and compassion are the norm, they are more likely to display those traits. The same occurs when a leader or teacher demonstrate good values and a core philosophy of doing good, this standard usually sets a precedent. When there is a choice of good or bad, choose good, and watch the good trickle down to benefit many people. Kindness is contagious when and it has the power to build and grow positive communities.
Concluding Random Acts of Kindness To Brighten Your Life
You can make a difference in your small corner of the world by simply performing random acts of kindness. Science and centuries of anecdotal evidence backs this up. Be the change you wish to see and encourage the people around you to do good deeds. You’ll begin to see an impact.