National Random Acts of Kindness Day is celebrated every yea on February 17th. The idea behind this celebration is to make the world a little brighter and better through little and simple kind gestures, words and actions. The most rewarding feeling is the way it impacts others but it can also help you live longer!
“People who volunteer tend to experience fewer aches and pains. Giving help to others protects overall health twice as much as aspirin protects against heart disease. People 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organizations have an impressive 44% lower likelihood of dying early, and that’s after sifting out every other contributing factor, including physical health, exercise, gender, habits like smoking, marital status and many more. This is a stronger effect than exercising four times a week or going to church.” Christine Carter, Author, “Raising Happiness;In Pursuit of Joyful Kids and Happier Parents”
Spreading kindness is a simple yet powerful act that can have a profound impact on both the giver and the recipient. It can make a difference in someone’s day and help build a more positive and supportive community. This week, why not take the time to spread some kindness in your community and bring a smile to someone’s face? Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Compliment someone: A kind word can go a long way. Compliment someone on their outfit, hair, or work. It will make their day and boost their self-esteem.
- Offer to help someone: Ask if there’s anything you can do to help someone. This could be a small act like carrying their groceries or a larger one like volunteering at a local food bank.
- Write a letter or make a phone call: Reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while and let them know you’re thinking of them. You’ll be surprised at how much a simple gesture like this can mean to someone.
- Donate to a charity: Choose a charity that is close to your heart and make a donation, no matter how small. This act of kindness will help those in need and make a difference in their lives.
- Look for opportunities to spread kindness throughout your day. This could be holding the door open for someone, buying a stranger a coffee, or simply saying hello to someone you pass on the street.
Remember, spreading kindness doesn’t have to be complicated or require a lot of effort. Small acts of kindness can make a big impact. By taking the time to spread kindness, you can help create a more positive and supportive community, reduce stress, and improve your own mental health. So why not make kindness a habit and see how it transforms your life and the lives of those around you?