National Random Acts of Kindness Day

Sometimes it’s the smallest act that makes the biggest impact.

Besides brightening someone else’s day and making the world a better place, there are plenty of beneficial side effects to altruism. Indeed, research has shown that the very act of doing something for someone else gives us a chemical high, a higher one, in fact, than if something had been done for us.

When we show generosity to others, our bodies release various hormones such as serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins that can improve our health and overall wellbeing. Oxytocin, for example, helps lower blood pressure and increases feelings of optimism, while serotonin makes us happier, calmer and even has a healing effect! Simple acts of random kindness can reduce pain, anxiety and stress while increasing our energy, lifespan and happiness – what’s not to love?!

Another great thing about kindness is that it’s contagious. By starting with ourselves, we can inspire those around us to also act with warmth and care.

Ways to spread kindness:

- Give a compliment to someone, even a perfect stranger.

- Be intentionally kind to yourself and others- It can start with dropping a bit of change in the cup of the homeless person along the street, or considering the time of year, providing a warm blanket to see them through.

-You could take a friend out to lunch, for no other reason than that they’re your friend.

-See someone looking down? Drop a hot coffee or tea on their desk with a smile and tell them to have a great day. Even just smiling at someone and wishing them a good day could have a profound impact.

- Volunteer- find a cause that is important to you and find ways to help out.

- Check out websites such as the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, as they have plenty of great resources to support with increasing gestures of goodwill.