Random (and not-so-random) acts of kindness feel good — and they’re good for us. If you’ve ever experienced the “helper’s high” that follows bringing a smile to someone’s face, you probably recognize the mental health benefits of demonstrating kindness. And yet, you may struggle to make it a concerted habit.
Maybe you feel awkward initiating conversations with strangers or you feel too time-strapped to volunteer. Maybe you worry that a small gesture could be misunderstood, or maybe money’s too tight right now.
Like handbags and hot sauce, acts of kindness come in a wide assortment of sizes and intensities and flavors. Finding the kind of kindness that suits you best is the key to making kindness a regular part of your day.
To help you dismantle discomfort and overcome inhibitions, we’ve rounded up ideas for small kindnesses you can extend to others, including types that fit every personality, schedule, and budget.
1 of 6
Kindness for Extroverts
Social butterflies can spread their wings and spread kindness by striking up a short conversation. It’s fast, free, and often delightful.
- On an elevator ride, compliment a part of someone’s outfit — be specific so it feels genuine.
- When a cashier rings you up or a barista takes your order, ask: “What’s good in your world today?” and listen with curiosity to the answer.
- At the supermarket, ask for someone’s opinion of a grocery item in their cart, or mention that you’ve enjoyed it.
- After witnessing a tense moment, tell the person involved, “You handled that well.”
- Designate a “Day of Appreciation” where you thank service people in your life (mailman, super, gardener, delivery person). For added sweetness, pair the thanks with a cookie.
2 of 6
Kindness for Introverts
If the thought of approaching strangers makes you squirm with discomfort, don’t despair. Introverts can rely on other modes of communication.
- Send old-school, snail-mail birthday cards to friends and family.
- Write an uplifting message like “You’re beautiful” or “You got this!” on a Post-it and leave it on a bench, wall, door, or mirror for others to find.
- Post a short, positive review of a local business online.
- Keep a small part of a shared space tidy for a week (or month).
- Text a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, and send a photo of the two of you.
- Pick a wildflower and leave it in a public space at eye level.
3 of 6
Kindness for Busy People
It’s easy to focus on simply getting stuff done when we’re running around doing errands or rushing to work, but there are plenty of ways you can thread small acts of kindness into your day-to-day business.
- When driving, let someone merge or go before you.
- Give up your seat on a bus or subway.
- Smile at five people on your commute.
- Hold the door, or elevator, open for someone.
- Take an extra umbrella when it’s raining; offer it to someone who doesn’t have one.
4 of 6
Kindness for Working Stiffs
Moments of positive connection in professional environments can offset the stress of work and help you feel less siloed in your workstation.
- Bring a home-baked or store-bought treat to the office for your co-workers.
- Compliment a co-worker for a job they did well, in the presence of others.
- Ask a colleague a question to learn one new thing about them.
- Sort and label something confusing (cords, supplies, files) in the workplace.
5 of 6
Kindness When You Have a Few Dollars to Spare
If you’re able to dip into your wallet, here are some small gifts with big payoffs.
- Bring a cup of coffee to someone you see regularly in the morning; a receptionist, crossing guard, neighbor, or parking attendant.
- Buy a hot meal on a cold day, or a cool drink on a hot day, for a person experiencing homelessness.
- Put money in a street performer’s jar and thank them.
- At a cafe or bodega, pay for the person behind you.
6 of 6
Kindness When You Have Time to Spare
Acts of kindness can include larger and more sustained efforts, like volunteering for an organization or helping people in the neighborhood. Repeating these acts opens the door for even more meaningful community building, which benefits everyone.
- Donate your clothes, toys, or other items. Offer to drop off any donations your neighbor has as well.
- Join a neighborhood or park cleanup day.
- Help an older person tend to their lawn or garden.
- If a friend or neighbor is sick or injured, offer to walk their dog.
- Find an organization that serves a community you care about, then sign up to volunteer and take a family member or friend to spread the love.
