Random Acts of Kindness Week: What you can do
Random Acts of Kindness Week is from the 14th to the 20th of February and is dedicated to encouraging everyone to contribute positively to their community. For those of you wondering what you can do for others, random acts of kindness do not have to be complicated or lengthy. Compliments, small gifts, or a small gesture are all good ways to spread positivity. Random acts of kindness do not have to be limited to a few days of the year. The intention behind Random Acts of Kindness Week is to build lasting habits and bring positive influence into your community. Many of the suggestions in this article can be continued on a regular basis, you do not have to be confined to one week of kindness.
Donations. You can donate anything from old clothes to nonprofit organizations, like Goodwill, to blood at a clinic. Donations are a good way to have a positive impact on the world and help those who are struggling through hard times. You can be helping many people at once and not know it. If you do not have anything to spare, you might even want to donate some money to a cause you believe in.
Volunteering. Not everybody can make the time to volunteer, but when you can there are plenty of charities and organizations that could use your help and are looking for extra hands. Volunteering and giving back to your community not only helps lift your community and help those in need, but also can bring you a sense of purpose in your life. Anybody can find a place they are passionate about to volunteer at whether it’s at a soup kitchen or an animal shelter.
Compliments. Any small compliment can instantly brighten a stranger’s day. You never know who’s day you can turn around with just a simple compliment whether it’s about their personality, something they are wearing or their smile.
Small gestures. There are a number of small gestures that you can make towards others, like holding the door open, paying for a stranger’s drink, or just by being polite. You can even just send positive text messages to your friends and relatives.
A simple act of kindness can change someone’s life. You can brighten someone’s day just by paying them a small compliment or showing them courtesy. Not only are you benefiting those around you, but being kind can also have positive benefits for you, as well. Studies have shown that being kind releases natural neurotransmitters in the brain like oxytocin and serotonin that make you feel good about helping others. It has also been shown that those who help others enjoy a longer lifespan, feel calmer, and happier. Not only do you feel the benefits, but your community does too. Therefore, acts of kindness and getting involved in the community are often recommended for people who are anxious and depressed.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health disorder, feel free to contact the professional team at Lifeline Connections for help! Getting yourself help, whether it is through self-help or by reaching out to professionals is an important part of recognizing that you are struggling and is a good step forward to get the help that you need. You can visit Lifelineconnections.org or call 360.397.8246 for more information.
For more information on Random Acts of Kindness Week or to be inspired by the kindness of others, you can visit: https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/
