Spread joy with kindness
Share positivity during Random Acts of Kindness Week on 13–19 February.
Kindness doesn’t need to cost money or take up time – and it can make a big difference to how you feel.
What is a random act of kindness?
A random act of kindness is doing something for someone else without expecting to be rewarded for it. It refers to an unplanned positive action, and you do it for a friend or for a stranger. There is a special day devoted to encouraging more people to be kind to each other: Random Acts of Kindness Day, which is on 17 February.
Kindness is good for you
Everyone benefits from kindness – not only the person on the receiving end but also the person who carries out the kind act, as well as anyone watching it happen. Kindness is considered contagious (it spreads between people) because when you witness an act of kindness, you’re more likely to go on to do something kind for another person yourself. Studies show that being kind can make you feel stronger, more energetic, more optimistic and happier. It can even reduce pain because of the chemicals it releases inside the body. Kindness is powerful.
Psychologist Suzy Reading highlights more benefits of practising kindness, “Being kind to other people is a great way to feel connected and it will help you feel positive about yourself. It feels good to be kind and you get a huge surge of energy from it but remember, the key is to do a good turn. You’re not just doing it to make yourself feel good.”
Different ways of being kind
You can demonstrate kindness anywhere – at home, at school, in your community, with your family or friends. The act can be unplanned, for example, if you notice someone drop their glove on the ground you could pick it up and give it back to them. You can look out for opportunities, too, such as holding a door open, paying someone a compliment or helping tidy up your classroom. You can also plan acts of kindness by drawing a picture for a friend, writing a note praising someone or donating toys that you don’t play with to charity.
Suzy Reading suggests thinking about the people around you, “Who could do with a helping hand? Is there a friend that needs cheering up or could you include your brother or sister in your game?
You can sprinkle some kindness around with a smile or a heartfelt thank you.” Remember, what makes it a true act of kindness is doing it with no expectation of being thanked or getting anything in return.