Being kind is not difficult. Once you have set your attitude to “kind”, you will take advantage of all sorts of opportunities throughout the day to reach out and be kind to someone.
As a bonus, once you are in the kindness loop, you will notice that you feel happier and more fulfilled. Scientists call this “the helper high” because altruistic actions trigger the same endorphins as a “runner high”!
Here are some simple, everyday ways to integrate kindness into your day.
- Stopping to let a pedestrian cross the street or to allow another driver into the traffic.
- Say please and thank you.
- Say good morning and good night to your colleagues.
- Smile at a stranger.
- Hold the door open for the next person.
- Hold the elevator.
- Let someone with very few items go ahead in the grocery store.
- Make a coffee run for your colleagues.
- Hug your loved ones.
- Push out the trash cans for your neighbors.
- Mow your older neighbors’ lawns.
- When you go to the shop, ask your neighbor if you can pick up something for him or her.
- Try to volunteer at your local soup kitchen or shelter.
- Be the bigger person and let the other person use the coveted parking space.
- Stand up for someone on the bus or subway.
- Ask a stressed employee if you can help him or her.
- Help wash cups after a meeting.
- If the photocopier runs out, replace the toner and fill the paper container.
- Buy surprise flowers for your partner.
- Give some coins to a street entertainer.
- Promise to stop bitching for a week.
- Join your company's mentoring or buddy program.
- Leave a book or magazine on the subway or at a bus station.
- Donate your surplus art or craft materials to an elementary school.
- Encourage your children to sort their things and donate items in good condition to charity.
- Donate money to your favorite charity or non-governmental organization.
- Pay attention to what your partner or colleagues are wearing and pay them a few compliments.
- Ask your friend or colleagues how they are doing and listen to the answers.
- Talk to family members or friends, send a text message, or call them to find out how they are doing.
- Clean up your neighborhood. If you see trash on the street, pick it up and throw it in the dumpster.
It's easy to integrate kindness into your day and the rewards are well worth the effort!