Be Intentional about Random Acts of Kindness

Holding the door open a second longer for the person behind you, admiring a stranger’s outfit, sending a text to a friend you haven’t heard from in a bit – these are all easy ways to show kindness that take little time or effort and could make a big difference for another person.

Committing to random acts of kindness may require a conscientious effort and even a little practice before it feels more natural.

Olivia Massena, a manager with Memorial Behavioral Health, shares that to make random acts of kindness an actual habit, those acts should be within your means – energy, finances and time.

“You may only have a few minutes free in your busy day but text a friend to say you are thinking about them or share a mutual memory,” Massena said. “If you are introverted, give a quick compliment when you are in social situations or send a postcard to a friend if you typically only text them.”

Here are ideas to make random acts of kindness an intentional part of your routine:

• Make a realistic kindness goal – put it on your schedule for one day a week.
• Say thanks to someone who was helpful.
• Smile hello at a stranger.
• Help a stranger load groceries.
• Post a compliment on a friend’s social media page or share a post about something you know they are interested in.
• If within your budget, buy a cup of coffee for the person behind you in line.
• Leave an anonymous note of encouragement for a co-worker.

Massena also encourages people to take time to be kind to themselves.

“Too often we neglect to think of our own self as deserving and worthy of kindness,” she said. “It’s important to remember to treat ourselves the way we are striving to treat others – with encouragement and respect.”