Did you know that 17 February is National Random Acts of Kindness Day? And to help spread the kindness that little bit more, best-selling author and happiness expert Andy Cope has shared his list of easy-peasy random acts of kindness. The challenge is to experiment. The science says you’ll feel great and, if you do, why not do 5 a day, every day?
1. Compliments
Go ahead and make someone’s day with your words. Comment on nice hair, clothes, shoes, manners, attitude… It’s the most basic level of kindness and it happens to be simple and free.
2. Say nice things about people behind their back
This ratchets your kindness to another level. Paying someone a compliment when they’re not in the room is sure to get back to them, creating a very warm glow.
3. Give hugs
The average hug lasts two seconds but for the love to transfer a hug needs to last seven seconds or longer. So, use National Kindness Day as an excuse to envelop those you love for the full seven seconds (not for strangers in the park).
4. Be a lover not a hater
It’s so easy to be negative, and join in the barrage of hate on social media. 100% positive postings today please.
5. Positive reviews
Amazon/Trip Advisor/etc: trawl back through your recent memory and leave positive comments on any books, hotels, purchases that have pleased you.
6. Travel in style
Whatever your means of transport today, travel with a smile and a great attitude. Instead of road rage, give other drivers the benefit of the doubt. Let cars into the queue, willingly and wholeheartedly.
7. Heartfelt thanks
Think of someone who has really helped you (eg, given you time or supported you). Write them a letter, from the heart, that says how wonderful they are and what they mean to you. Read it to them (I dare you!).
8. Share
Cook an extra meal and deliver it to an elderly neighbour.
9. Pay twice
Pay for the drinks for the people behind you in the coffee shop queue. Ditto for the fast food meal. At an advanced level, while you’re paying for your petrol, see if you can pay for someone who’s just filled up but not made it into the kiosk yet. Pay and dash. Totally anonymous. Yes, it’s an expensive one but I guarantee you’ll get your money’s worth in warm feelings.
10. The gift of life
If a kidney’s too far why not give blood and/or join the organ donor registry.
11. Listen
And I mean really listen. Be genuinely interested in other people, all day. They’ll feel wonderful and in a bizarre twist of quantum physics, they will think you are a wonderful person.
12. Start a piggy bank for a cause
Put your shrapnel in a jar and when the jar is bursting, hand it to your chosen charity
13. Praise be
In your next work meeting go out of your way to praise someone for a great attitude or job well done
14. Be snap happy
See a person or a couple trying to take a photo of themselves? Offer to take it for them.
15. Top tips
Be generous with your tipping. The ‘Waiter Rule’ suggests that the way you treat waiters and waitresses says an awful lot about you. Those who are kind, considerate and appreciative of the low-paid staff are often happier and more successful in their lives.
16. Bake a cake
And take it to work. Please bake it rather than just buying it. It’s 100% more meaningful.
17. Send a pud
Dining out? Scan the joint for people who look nice and have a quiet word with the waiter. After they’ve finished their main, get 2 puddings delivered to them, paid for by you. The waiter has to be sworn to secrecy. A bit of a nerve jangler but it makes everyone’s day.
18. Service with a smile?
When you receive excellent service, thank the person who gave it and ask to see their manager to escalate the praise.
19. 10/5 Principle
Smile at everyone who comes within 10 feet of you and make eye contact/say ‘Hi’ to everyone who comes within 5 feet (works everywhere with the exception of the London Underground).
20. Brilliant parenting
Read the bedtime story like it is the most exciting book in the world. Yes, even if they’re 24 and 19.
21. Brilliant ‘childrenning’
If mum and dad are being extra awesome, then the kids need to return the compliment. Kids - tidy your room, set the table, wash the dishes, make your dad a cuppa. And no whinging about it!
22. Bin it
Bin day? Return your bins to their rightful place and do the same for your neighbours.
23. Heavy petting
Elderly neighbours? Offer to take their pooch for an extra walkies. The fresh air’s good for you, the dog’s happy and your neighbours think you’re fabulous (which of course, you are).
Dr Andy Cope is a positive psychologist and bestselling author. His latest books Diary of a Brilliant Kid and SHINEare available now on Amazon. Find out more about Andy at www.artofbrilliance.co.uk