15 Random Acts of Kindness

15 random acts of kindness

Simple gestures go a long way in spreading happiness. Just think how different the world would be if everyone took a few minutes out of their week to do something for someone else. Doing a random act of kindness not only lifts your mood but the recipients. Plus, studies have shown that kindness helps you live longer.

Monday, February 17^th, is National Random Acts of Kindness Day. In honor of it, here are 15 of my personal favorite random acts of kindness. Let’s make kindness the norm!

1. share genuine compliments

Photo by Kat Jayne

Telling someone they have made a difference in your life, or that you admired the way they handled a situation, is an amazing gift. They say to a person they are worthy of notice and valued. Research shows that kindness is contagious. When you pay someone a compliment, they are more likely to pay-it-forward to someone else. Plus paying compliments also increases and enhances your sense of well-being.

2. show the love with flowers

Photo by Kristina Paukshtite

Flowers are a great way to show someone you’re thinking of them. Most of the time, people only buy them for someone when it’s a special occasion. However, there’s nothing more special than receiving a gift for no reason. Send an arrangement to a friend, your Mom or Grandma unexpectedly. Donate all of the flowers from a party or wedding to a nursing home. Or bring flowers to a hospital and ask the receptionist to distribute them to patients who could use them.

3. run an errand for someone

Photo by Gratisography

We all have to run to the grocery store, big-box store, and post office from time to time. If you know a friend, coworker, or family member is overwhelmed – perhaps by a new baby, health issue, or something else – text or call them before heading out and ask if they would like you to pick something up.

4. pick up litter

Photo by Freestocks

It’s easy to walk by litter on the sidewalk, park, or street and think it’s not your problem. But, if everyone did that, we would live in an even messier world. Take the time to pick up behind others when you see the need. And always, always recycle anything that’s recyclable!! Be sure to check with your local recycling company for specifics.

5. support our troops

Photo by Pixabay

Give back to those who have given so much. Thank soldiers for their service by sending letters or military care packages and provide a much-needed boost to their morale. Support Siouxland Soldiers is a local non-profit organization that connects veterans, military families, and volunteers with each other and community resources to improve well-being. Or you can find several military-vetted organizations and programs here.

6. reconnect with old friends

Photo by Helena Lopes

Losing touch with friends is one of life’s most common regrets. Reconnecting with past friends will allow you to see the world in a new light. It will show you how funny and weird life can be. You were a part of their lives at one point, and they a part of yours. Getting in touch with old friends can bring a lot of excitement and nostalgia, all at the same time. Make sure to reminisce moments while also planning to connect with them further and make new memories in the future.

7. help a teacher

Photo by Pixabay

Most teachers have to buy school supplies from their own pockets. Show kindness and buy some school supplies for them. Donors Choose lets you support schools and teachers in your community so students can get the tools, supplies, and experiences they need for an excellent education. Or contact your child’s teacher and ask how you can help. Even the smallest task can make a big difference!

8. donate your old stuff

Photo by Ylanite Koppens

Instead of saving things just in case you need them in 10 years, consider giving your old clothes, cell phones, glasses, and household items to someone who needs it now. Doing so not only helps people in need but enables you to get rid of clutter so you can better organize your space and life! There are several local and national organizations to choose from – Society of St. Vincent de Paul, The Lions Club, The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity Restore, etc. – so do some research to find the best fit.

9. help a shelter pet

Photo by Helena Lopes

If you’ve been thinking it’s time to add a pet to your family, consider adopting from a local shelter or rescue group, like the Humane Society. If you’re not in the position to adopt a pet just now, you can still help make life better for animals in your community by volunteering, fostering, or donating. Shelters and rescue groups are always in need of pet and cleaning supplies as well as monetary donations. Check their websites for wish lists.

10. make an elder's day

Photo by Emre Kuzu

Many older people never have visitors and spend their days alone and lonely. 13-year old Jacob Cramer started Love for the Elderly, which distributes letters to American seniors via senior centers and non-profit organizations. If you’d like to participate, this page provides some guidelines. An even better option – send a letter or spend some quality time with your own older family members.

11. donate to your local food pantry

Photo by Oleg Magni

Every single day, people in our state suffer from hunger. Whether you choose to donate money, give food for the hungry, or offer your time to help those in need, your generous donations do more to aid in the fight against hunger than anything else. Most food banks like Feeding South Dakota have a list of accepted foods, including the most requested items, as well a list of various volunteer opportunities. Do your part today!

12. become a mentor

Photo by VisionPic

Being a mentor can mean a lot of different things. It all boils down to making yourself available to support and advise someone when they need it, delivering that support in a way that makes sense to them, and always keeping that person’s best interested at heart. Several different organizations offer mentor programs. Lutheran Social Services matches volunteer mentors with local children. The goal is to empower young people to succeed by establishing trusting relationships with adult volunteers. Learn more here.

13. tip more than expected

Photo by Chevanon Photography

Many people who work in the service industry rely on tips for their income. Help them meet their needs by tipping fairly, or better yet, generously. While we’d all love to be the generous soul who leaves a $100 tip for a $10 meal, it just might not be possible (right now). However, an extra $5 or $10 can still brighten someone’s day. Next time you go out to eat, order take-out, or grab a coffee, add a little extra and make life a bit big brighter for that hard-working waiter, delivery guy, or barista.

14. take 15 minutes to really listen

Photo by Duong Nhan

Research implies we only remember between 25% and 50% of what we hear. That means when you talk to someone for 10 minutes, they pay attention to less than half of the conversation. Good listening means active, mindful listening. Like mindfulness itself, listening takes a combination of intention and attention. The intention part is having a genuine interest in the other person—their experiences, views, feelings, and needs. The attention part is being able to stay present, open, and unbiased as we listen—even when they don’t line up with our ideas or wishes. Try it and see what happens!

15. support small businesses

Photo by Artem Beliaikin

Shopping local means enjoying, sharing about, and supporting small businesses in your area. You are their friends and neighbors, and locally owned companies have a vested interest in knowing how to serve you. They’re passionate about what they do. Why not take advantage of it? You’ll not only be helping to grow your area’s economy but embracing what makes your community unique. Plus, studies have shown that local businesses donate to community causes at more than twice the rate of chains.