Last Updated on July 1, 2022 by Cheryl Moreo
Performing random acts of kindness may be new to you. So it ís possible you have no idea how to begin. Coming up with ideas can be tough. Today’s 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. I hope that these examples of random acts of kindness inspire you.
Considerations
Yes, we need to distance ourselves, but that doesn’t mean we can’t help each other. Random Acts of Kindness. Org suggests that you don’t interact directly with others. Stay at least six feet away from people. Communicate by phone, email, social media, etc. Follow the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization and take special precautions to keep yourself safe and healthy.
If you are healthy and not in ‘at risk’ groups consider helping those who are immunocompromised or elderly.
See Get Your Kindness On below for a note you can leave on your neighbor’s door.
Acts of Kindness Ideas
Shopping or Dining
- Hold the door open for the person behind you.
- If you only have a few items and their cart is full, allow the shopper in the grocery line to move ahead of you.
- Tape change to a parking meter or vending machine.
- Let the manager of the store know when an associate gives you exceptional service.
- Pay for someone’s layaway who has not made a payment in a long while.
- Allow someone to merge into traffic.
- Pay for the person behind you in line at the fast-food restaurant or drive-through.
In Your Neighborhood Acts of Kindness
- On trash day, wheel out your neighbor’s trash bin or return the empty container.
- Check on an elderly neighbor or shut-in.
- Offer a cold bottle of water to someone working outside in the heat.
- Mow lawns and rake leaves for elderly neighbors or those who may otherwise have trouble doing the job themselves.
- Clean up the trash in your neighborhood or at your favorite outdoor recreation spots like a bike trail, park, or beach.
General Acts of Kindness
- Take the time to listen to someone who is having a bad day.
- Surprise your best friend with a small gift or treat.
- Send a note of thanks to someone who has made a big difference in your life.
- Send a “Get-Well” card to someone, or a “Thinking of You” card for no reason whatsoever.
- Instead of presents for your birthday, ask for donations to your favorite charity.
- Offer to help someone who has just endured a major life event or loss.
- Offer to babysit for parents who need a night away or to help with the nightly feedings for a new mother friend.
- Use the words, “I respect where you’re coming from” if you find yourself in disagreement.
- Give an unsolicited compliment.
At Work
- Give the new employee a tour of your work area or offer to sit with them at lunch.
- Mentor a young person entering your profession.
Get Your Kindness On!
Hopefully, this quick 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 youíll be ready to do another random act of kindness tomorrow.
Download this note provided by Random Acts of Kindness.org to leave behind (while practicing safe social distancing) to see if anyone in your neighborhood needs any help.
Other Posts in This Acts of Random Kindness Series
Why Do Random Acts of Kindness Matter
