9 Ways to Practice Kindness Today
“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.” - Barbara De Angelis
In honor of World Kindness Day (and the other 364 days of the year), we’ve rounded up some ideas to help you contribute to making the world a nicer place, one act of kindness at a time.
Send a friend some snail mail.
When we’re used to checking in via a quick text, sending snail mail is hardly on our radar anymore. But how great does it feel to receive a handwritten note? Go find or make a beautiful card and think of someone who you want to show some appreciation to. Write a heartfelt letter letting them know how you feel, mail it off, and know that you’re going to make their day.
Compliment someone.
Everyone likes a sincere compliment, so make the effort to say something nice to someone you see today, even if they’re a stranger. Maybe they’ve got a great hairstyle or an impeccable sense of style — let them know! You could make their good day even better or uplift their spirits if they’re feeling down.
Be intentional with your attention.
Many of us use our phones more than we’d like to admit and in scenarios where we really shouldn’t — the dinner table, mid-conversation, with kids playing at our feet. But the best gift you can give someone is your uninterrupted attention, a listening ear, eye contact, and no distractions. Make an effort to turn off your phone and give your loved ones quality time. You’ll be amazed at how good it feels to connect without any pings or notifications competing for your attention.
Bring in a treat for your coworkers.
You likely spend more hours together each week than with anyone else, and whether you see eye-to-eye or not, try bringing a bit of joy to the workplace in the form of a treat to share. Even though it’s a small deed, it boosts morale (who doesn’t like free food?) and shows your coworkers that you’re into contributing to a more positive workplace, even if it’s one box of doughnuts at a time.
Support your friend’s small business.
Small businesses rely on word of mouth and social media to expand. Even if you can’t afford to buy your friend’s product or service, you can still help them by posting about them on social media, liking and sharing their posts, and letting your social circle know about their business. Your friend will appreciate your support any way you can give it.
Remember your manners.
Manners go such a long way in a society that can sometimes seem plugged-in or dismissive. Hold the door open for people, let someone cut in front of you in line, say “please” and “thank you.” When you project positivity, it tends to come back to you.
Treat yourself.
When we talk about being kind, we often leave ourselves out of the equation. Remember to first be kind to yourself. Treat yourself to some serious self-love — book a massage or pedicure, commit to meditating once daily, or buy yourself that item you’ve been eyeing for a while. Need more ideas? We’ve got a list of self-love ideas to get you started.
Donate a gift in memory of someone.
If you’ve lost a loved one, think of something they were passionate about and make a donation in their honor. Think outside of the box — perhaps they were an avid hiker, so you could donate to a National Park or trails association. If you lost a pet, contribute food and warm blankets to your local shelter or rescue. Wherever and however you choose to gift, it will be appreciated by many.
Spread positivity online.
Check your online behavior — are you contributing kindness on the social platforms you frequent, or are you hiding behind your keyboard? Make a real effort to keep your online interactions kind and positive, especially when you disagree. There’s enough negativity out there, and brightness attracts brightness.