It’s Cool to be Kind

Every year on November 13 the world is called together to celebrate World Kindness Day. The day promotes the importance of being kind to each other, to yourself, and to the world. The goal of this day is to help everyone understand that compassion for others is what binds us all together.

There are so many ways to celebrate World Kindness Day. Groups and individuals are encouraged to go out of their way to be kind to others, whether that be at home, work, school, or just in public.

Being kind doesn’t need to look or be extravagant. Sometimes the simplest things make the most significant difference. Look for opportunities while you go throughout your day on November 13 (and every day) to infuse kindness into the world.

Here are some ideas to inspire you to brighten up someone’s day.

1. Do a random act of kindness

Amid the challenges of the pandemic, now more than ever is a time to be kind. Random acts of kindness aren’t only meaningful to the recipient, they provide important benefits to those who perform them as well. Studies show, putting the well-being of others before our own without expecting anything in return stimulates the reward centres of the brain. Those feel-good chemicals flood our system, producing a “helper’s high”.

Here are some random acts of kindness you can do:

  • Send a thoughtful note or text to a faraway friend
  • Give a stranger a compliment
  • Send flowers to a friend or relative for no reason
  • Do a chore for someone without them knowing
  • Leave a nice note on someone’s car
  • Buy the person behind you coffee/a snack

2. Listen to others and show interest

Every day we hear words coming out of people’s mouths. However, listening to those words is different than just hearing them. By simply listening to someone and showing interest in the conversation, you will show them that what they have to say matters and their feelings and opinions are valid. Many times (mostly without realising) we tune out of conversations and are distracted. Next time you are talking to someone allow them to speak fully, without interrupting, and give cues that you are listening.

3. Show Compassion

Showing compassion is a great act of kindness. It is also an act of kindness towards yourself. Most of us have harsh inner critics who judge us, put us down, and punish us when we make mistakes. Practice self-compassion through mindfulness and employing a growth mindset.

You can also show compassion to those around you by communicating how you understand and care for the recipient. Be vocal about your feelings toward the subject, giving an emotional response to what they are telling you.

4. Offer Help

Another easy way to be kind, is to offer your help. By taking care of a difficult task or giving advice on a serious subject, you’re easing the burden on someones day. By being a little creative with your thinking, you’ll discover all sorts of ways you can help one another.

5. Say thank you

A single “thank you” can go a very long way and unfortunately, many people don’t hear it often. You can return the kindness by just saying thank you. This is especially important when encountering people who are doing a service for you.