In case you missed it, National Random Acts of Kindness Day was Wednesday, February 17. This is a day devoted to, as the name implies, doing acts of kindness for people you know and people you don’t know, with no other motive but to make someone’s day. This day isn’t meant to boost your social media or congratulate yourself by trying to look like a good person. Sometimes, it’s just nice to do something kind. Although the day has come and gone, it’s not too late to make someone’s day! While a cute national holiday is a fun way to remind us to do something nice, you don’t have to wait a whole year before you remember again. Everyone could benefit from a little bit of kindness any day and not just once a year. If you need a little inspiration on how to bring a smile to someone’s face and make their day, here’s a little list I’ve made for you:
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Pay for someone’s Dunkin order
Nothing will make someone’s day like getting ready to pay for their morning coffee and finding out that it’s already been taken care of. Not only will they be able to wake up with that good cup of Joe, but they get to wake up to a good day and might be inspired to do something nice for someone else. Plus, a Dunkin order is never more than a few dollars, so it won’t cost much!
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Hold the door for someone
This is an easy act of kindness that doesn’t take a lot of effort on your part. Holding the door for someone is a simple way to help someone out, whether their hands are full or not. It shows that you see them and are willing to wait that extra few seconds to lend a hand. Disclaimer: please don’t be that person that holds the door when the person is still a mile down the road. They start awkwardly speed walking, and you feel awkward holding the door so long and it’s not going to make anyone’s day.
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Compliment someone
Another simple way to make someone smile. Don’t just say a random compliment, actually mean it! People can tell when it’s just a brush off statement, but if you actually mean it then you will radiate that positivity, and it will be contagious. You will certainly brighten their day and make them feel good about themselves.
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Pick up any litter you find and make sure you are recycling correctly
Not all acts of kindness have to revolve around other people. It’s always good to be kind to our planet too! Sometimes, people miss the trash bin and don’t notice (or they do and just keep walking), so do what they couldn’t and make sure that trash gets into a bin! Also, you can make sure that you are doing your best to recycle to keep our planet clean.
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Write a nice note to brighten someone’s day
Whether you want to write a letter or a brief inspirational note, it’s sure to brighten the receiver’s day. A nice note will let them know that you care and are thinking about them. Whether it’s for a friend or family member, they will really appreciate it, and be honored by your kindness. Even the randomness of handing a sticky note with a positive message to a stranger will surprise them with a smile.
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Call that friend/family member you wish you could talk to more
We all have that friend back home or family member we don’t get to see enough that we mean to reach out to more. Every time you think about it, you tell yourself you’re too busy and maybe you’ll reach out tomorrow. No more! Today is the day, reach out to those you miss and strike up a conversation. Tell them that you’ve been thinking about them and miss them. They’ll be happy to hear from you, they likely have been missing you as well.
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Donate old clothes that you don’t wear or that don’t fit
Do you have that section of your closet that just hangs there untouched? Well clear out some room and donate what you don’t wear anymore. If you’ve outgrown those old clothes, I guarantee you that there’s someone out there who could use them. Not only will you be decluttering your life, but you will be helping out those in need.
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Thank your professors for their hard work
I know, I know, hear me out. Even though you can really hate your professors sometimes, with all the extra work and stress they give, they do work really hard to help you succeed. Especially during this pandemic, things have been harder than ever for them. They’ve had to adapt everything to online, and figure out how to teach us with all these new resources. They always make sure that they can be around for you outside of class for any extra help you need. They have become more flexible with their schedules and try to check in with students more to make sure they’re doing everything they can to ease this transition. Next time you’re feeling angry at a professor, just remember they’ve got a lot going on right now too! Thank them for all they do.
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Donate $5 to a charity that means something to you
While it may not seem like much, donating $5 can still help a charity in need. It is very low cost to you and very easy to find something to donate to. If there is a particular charity that you are interested in or feel connected to, then even better! You are helping out with something you are passionate about with your act of kindness.
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Put a cheerful sign/positive messages on your dorm door
Some dorms don’t let you put anything on your door for fire safety reasons, but if you can or have a clear pocket on you, feel free to stick a nice sign in there! You can put positive messages to cheer up someone’s day or get creative! Another option is leaving a marker with it, and letting people add their own sweetness to the mix! It can be a nice way to make someone smile, or even make new friends!
This is just a small list of some ideas you could do anytime to bring some joy to others. Of these on the list, only 2 cost anything, and a very minimal amount at that. You don’t need to spend money to do a random act of kindness. There are so many ways to make people smile, and you should try to do it as often as possible, and not just once a year.