In our day-to-day lives, we often become so wrapped up in ourselves and our busy schedules that it completely slips our minds to spread a little kindness. On a college campus almost everyone is stressing about one thing or another, so it is especially important to put in the effort to spread joy. A smile or taking time to ask how someone is doing can go a long way to make someone’s day more positive and will maybe inspire them to do the same. Kindness is contagious, so here are some ideas of small things you can do every day to make someone else’s day a little better.
1. Text a friend to ask how they are doing.
2. Smile at one person you wouldn’t normally smile at and maybe they will start smiling to!
3. Just smile all the time! It is infectious (:
4. Turn one thing that you start negatively saying into a positive statement. Ex: “It’s so annoying that there isn’t any water” TO “I’m really thankful that we can pretty easily access bottled water when we can’t drink the tap water.”
5. Hold the door open for the people behind you.
6. Hold the elevator for someone.
7. Say “Good morning” to the person next to you in the elevator, in class or in line for coffee.
8. Randomly give a friend a hug.
9. Let someone go in front of you in line.
10. Compliment someone in one of your classes.
11. Pass along a good book you just finished reading.
12. Say thank you to your bus driver, cashier, security guard, etc.
13. Tell a friend or family member how much you appreciate them.
14. Call a family member or friend just to say hi!
15. Leave an inspirational quote or message on a sticky note somewhere random like a bathroom stall or desk.
16. Buy a homeless person lunch.
17. Give a bigger tip than you usually do.
18. Ask someone if they need help and do whatever you can to help them.
19. When someone is talking to you give them your full attention and listen without interrupting.
20. Do something special for your roommate, friend or significant other like bringing them their favorite candy or making them coffee or dinner.
21. Invite someone that you don’t know very well or know is lonely to do something fun, even if it’s just grabbing lunch together!
22. If people around you are gossiping, say something nice.
23. Write down something you are grateful for, so you can get into the positive mindset and spread it to others.
Go make someone’s day today!