Lend A Hand - Purify your soul
- Varun Tahin
- May 5, 2018
- 3 min read
Kindness makes the world a better place. And that’s because it’s simply contagious. Think about it: You witness a random act of kindness, and you can’t help but extend the kindness continuum by paying it forward yourself. This makes acts of kindness not just beneficial for the recipient, but for everyone in your community.
Kindness is also good for you, the giver. When you display kindness, you increase dopamine to the brain, leaving you feeling happier and more energized. So whether you want to perk up a loved one, coworker, acquaintance, total stranger, or yourself, you’ll accomplish it all in one random act of goodness.
In case you’re short on ideas, here are 30 ways you can practice kindness. Most cost little-to-no time or money, and will make a lasting impact.
Leave a note on a neighbor’s or coworker’s car wishing them a spectacular day.
Buy a box of dairy-milk bars and leave it in your car, offering one to someone who looks hungry along your way.
Buy a cup of coffee for the stranger behind you in line.
Write an email to the manager of a coffee shop or grocery store that you frequent about an employee that you find extremely helpful and friendly.
Volunteer at a homeless shelter.
Text a friend or loved one a photo of something that reminds you of them.
Buy (or prepare and bring) lunch for a friend or coworker.
Next time someone cuts you off on the road, gently wave them in. You never know what kind of day they are having.
Give someone a compliment.
Write a “thinking of you” card to a friend or family member you haven’t talked to in a while. Send it in the mail. (Yes, the snail mail.)
Next time you hear gossip, change the course of the conversation toward praise and gratitude about the person or situation.
Donate a bag of stuff that you no longer use.
Give someone the benefit of the doubt.
Invite a lonely friend to a holiday meal or party. Make an effort to introduce them around.
Leave a server an extra big tip if you notice they are having a rough day.
Pay a toll for the car behind you at the tollbooth or pay the bus fare for someone standing behind you.
Offer to babysit for a friend who needs to attend a meeting.
Offer to help someone with their luggage at the airport.
Hold the door open for a mom with her stroller.
Offer your seat to someone on the train, bus, or subway.
Facebook message a friend from the past and thank them for something they did years ago.
Pick up trash on the street or at the park.
Next time you order something from a counter, ask the cashier how their day is going.
Offer to help an elderly person cross the street or load groceries into their car.
Buy your spouse’s favorite ice cream next time you’re at the store. (Even if it’s not your choice!)
Donate your hair to cancer patients. (You need to have a certain amount of hair to donate. Check out Locks of Love for details.)
Forgive someone for something they did.
Offer to jump-start someone’s car or call for help if you see them stuck on the side of the road.
Turn off your lights when you’re not using them, to use less energy and conserve environmental resources.
Write a heartwarming comment on a friend’s Facebook wall.
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