The end of the semester is usually a difficult time for most students, and we could always use a pick-me-up every once in a while. With beautiful weather approaching us, it only feels right to spread some joy and sunshine all around us. So if you or anyone you know has been feeling down in the dumps and stressed out because of finals, I challenge you to this 30 day kindness challenge to help lift some spirits around you and get this kindness ball rolling!
1. Write a thank you card ‘just because’
2. Speak to someone who looks lonely at a social event
3. Lend a friend your favorite book/movie
4. Encourage someone who is working hard
5. Hand out flowers to friends or strangers
6. Pay for the order for the person behind you in line
7. Write a kind/funny note and leave it in a book in the library for the next person to find
8. Give someone an unsolicited compliment
9. Donate blood
10. Volunteer at an animal shelter, soup kitchen, and/or nursing home
11. Give up your seat for someone else
12. Pick up any trash/litter that you see
13. Give a gift to someone, just because
14. Hold the door for others (even if it’s 20 people)
15. Reach out to someone that you haven’t talked to in a while
16. Lend someone your umbrella
17. Leave a bigger tip than you normally would
18. Help tutor a struggling student
19. Plan a fun night (in or out) for you and your friends
20. Be courteous when driving
21. Call one of your relatives for a nice heart-to-heart
22. Treat your co-workers to a nice sweet treat
23. Do a 5k for a good cause
24. Plant a tree
25. Write letters to soldiers
26. Take a day not to complain
27. Donate old clothes/belongings to a charity shop
28. Feed birds in the park
29. Give everyone you see a big smile
30. Take a day to be kind to YOURSELF!
The point of this challenge isn’t to complete everything on this list, but to use this as a guideline or kick starter to get you in the mindset of kindness! Even if you only do one of these things, you’ve already made a difference in someone else’s day. And most importantly, always remember to be kind to yourself, whether if that’s sleeping 8+ hours in one night, giving yourself time to read a good book, or just walking outside to soak up some sun, just remember that you deserve some kindness too!