The Power of Random Acts of Kindness

Khushboo Motihar

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21 Dec 2022

The world is ever-evolving, with people of all ages taking part in efforts to make the world a better place. Whether it’s volunteering, raising awareness for a cause or donating money to a charity – each of us can do our part. But one of the most accessible ways to make a positive impact on the world is through random acts of kindness in your daily life.

What Does Research Say About Random Acts of Kindness?

According to research, when you are kind to another person you experience the 'helper's high'. This is a surge of feel-good chemicals such as oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine which make us feel connected to others and fulfilled. Another study found people who practice kindness regularly had 23% less cortisol, a hormone in the body that is associated with stress and also aged slower. Kindness also leads to life satisfaction, a reduction in depression and an improved sense of well-being according to a study. Kindness has powerful effects on both the recipient and giver, such as reducing stress, improving self-esteem and creating a ripple effect of positivity in our communities. Here are 7 creative ways to help make the world a better place through random acts of kindness.

1. Care Packages

An anonymous care package is an amazing way to show your love and support without expecting anything in return. You can include items like books, journals, gift cards, encouraging notes or any other item which could brighten up someone’s day. If the person has been sick or going through a difficult time, simple items like tea, soup and a stress ball can be included. Thoughtfully curated care packages can be sent anonymously to friends, family or even strangers.

2. Send Postcards

Handwritten postcards are heartfelt reminders you care and are thinking of someone. You can even send postcards to places like nursing homes, hospitals or refugee camps so

people who may not have anyone to write to them can still receive a kind message. Include an inspiring quote or write something encouraging to remind someone of their worth and they are loved.

3. Compliment Generously

Words are powerful tools which can be used for good or bad purposes; choose wisely! Complimenting people not only boosts their confidence but also lifts your spirits as well! So next time you see someone who looks amazing in their outfit or has done something kind for another person—tell them. They would appreciate it more than you know.

4. Donate and Freecycle

Instead of throwing away items that no longer serve you (e.g., clothes, books), consider donating them instead! Local charities often accept donations of gently used items that can be given to those who truly need them. This small act can go a long way in helping others in need while decluttering your home at the same time. Freecycling is another great way to get rid of unused items in your home while helping out the environment at the same time.

5. Offer Help When Needed

You never know when somebody needs an extra pair of hands or an uplifting word from a stranger during tough times—so be ready and willing to offer help whenever possible. It could be anything from holding doors open for someone struggling with bags of groceries or lending an ear if they need someone to talk to—even just saying hello with a friendly smile can make all the difference sometimes.

6. Pay it Forward

Have you ever heard of “paying it forward?” This means doing something nice for somebody else without expecting anything in return. You can do this by buying coffee for the person behind you in line at Starbucks, leaving positive reviews on Yelp/Facebook/Google about local businesses/restaurants/services that made your experience special—or even just sending thoughtful messages via text/email/social media with no particular reason at all (other than just being kind).

7. Plant Trees

Planting trees is not only therapeutic but also has immense benefits for our environment too. Trees clean our air by absorbing pollutants like carbon dioxide which helps reduce global warming effects; they provide habitats for wildlife; they prevent soil erosion and they give us shade during hot summer days too—all these reasons make planting trees one of the most impactful random acts of kindness we can do today. Seed bombs are a fun way to plant trees as well. On a road trip or while out on a hike, you can simply drop seed bombs in the ground to help reforest areas that need them. Always ensure you use indigenous species for seed bombs so the trees you are planting will be able to grow and thrive in the local environment.

Small gestures can go a long way when it comes to making the world around us better and brighter each day - so let's start using random acts of kindness as weapons against negativity today!