Acts of kindness have the potential to make the world a happier place.
You might want to do something for someone else or take note if you experience an act of kindness.
Not sure where to start?
At home and in your community
Call a friend who you haven’t spoken to for a while
Send a card or letter to someone you've been out of touch with
Send flowers to a friend, out of the blue
Find out if a neighbor needs any help
Reach out to someone who is on their own
Send someone a handwritten thank you note
Tell your family how much you love and appreciate them
Help with household chores
Check on someone you know who is going through a tough time
At school
Remember to say "hi" to other kids and ask how they are – whether that’s face-to-face, or virtually
Offer to support other students who may be struggling with an assignment or task that you already did
Set up a coffee or lunch club – with your regular colleagues and with new ones
Have a conversation with someone you don’t normally talk with
Get to know a new student – it is hard to join a new school
Lend your ear – listen to someone who is having a bad day
Say thank you to someone who has helped you
Praise another student for something they have done well
In public places
Wish a passer-by a good morning or afternoon
Be a considerate walker
Pick up some trash lying around in the street
Smile and say hello to people you may pass every day, but have never spoken to before
Why do it?
Helping others feels good Studies have found that acts of kindness are linked to increased feelings of well-being. Helping others can also improve our support networks and encourage us to be more active. This, in turn, can improve our self-esteem. There is also some evidence that when we help others, it changes the brain!
It creates a sense of belonging and reduces isolation Helping others is thought to be one of the ways that create, maintain, and strengthen social connections. For example, volunteering and helping others can help us feel a sense of belonging, make new friends, and connect with our communities. Face-to-face activities such as volunteering at a food bank can also help reduce loneliness and isolation.
It helps to keep things in perspective Many people don’t realise the impact a different perspective can have on their outlook on life. Being aware of our own acts of kindness, as well as the things we are grateful for, can increase feelings of happiness, optimism and satisfaction. Doing good may help you to have a more positive outlook about your own circumstances.
It helps to make the world a happier place – one act of kindness can often lead to more! Acts of kindness can make the world a happier place for everyone. They can boost feelings of confidence, being in control, happiness and optimism. They may also encourage others to repeat the good deeds they’ve experienced themselves – contributing to a more positive community. The more you do for others, the more you do for yourself The benefits of helping others can last long after the act itself, for those who offer kindness, and those who benefit. This, in turn, can improve our self-esteem.